New Article 3
Student Loan Repayment Program

Section 1. General

The Department has established a Student Loan Repayment Program pursuant to 5 U.S. Code § 5379 and 5 CFR 537 and other applicable rules and regulations. The purpose of the program is to attract or retain highly qualified individuals by assisting them in repaying their outstanding Federally insured student loans. There is no entitlement to participation in the program. Repayment of student loans by the Department is at Management’s discretion and subject to budgetary considerations.

Section 2. Consideration

a. Should an employee wish to be considered for this program, he/she may communicate such interest to the immediate supervisor. Management will provide a response to the employee in a timely manner.
b. In accordance with 5 CFR 537.103(a)(5), the Department‘s consideration will ensure fair and equitable treatment.
c. In accordance with 5 CFR 537.106(c), repayments of student loans are subject to maximum limits of $10,000 per calendar year and a total of $60,000 per employee.

Section 3. Criteria

Criteria applicable to this program are stipulated in 5 U.S. Code § 5379 and 5 CFR 537.105. As pertains to bargaining unit employees, the following apply:

a. Written determination. Loan repayments made under this program must be based on a written determination that, in the absence of offering loan repayment benefits, Management would encounter difficulty either in filling the position with a highly qualified candidate, or retaining a highly qualified employee in that position.
b. Determination for retention. Payments authorized in order to retain an employee must be based upon a written determination that the high or unique qualifications of the employee or special need of the Department for the employee’s services makes it essential to retain the employee, and that, in the absence of offering student loan repayment benefits, the employee would be likely to leave for employment outside the Federal service. This determination must be based on a written description of the extent to which the employee’s departure would affect Management’s ability to carry out an activity or perform a function that is deemed essential to the Department’s mission.
c. When selecting employees to receive loan repayment benefits, the Department will, consistent with the merit system principles set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 2301(b) of Title 5 of the U.S. Code, take into consideration the need to maintain a balanced workforce in which women and members of racial and ethnic minority groups are appropriately represented in Government service.