Student loan forgiveness for social workers is gaining more noise and movement as the importance of the job is made clearer and more palpable.
Programs such as the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program and Loan Forgiveness for Mental Health Professionals are a testament to these efforts.
Despite the important role social workers play in society, student loan forgiveness for social workers still has a long way to go.
But the programs available right now are a great start to help those who entered this field not for the money, but for the service.
What is Student Loan Forgiveness for Social Workers?
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Prepare Wisely for Public Service Loan Forgiveness via @usnews #studentloanforgiveness https://t.co/BTTLFGbA25
— NCHER (@ncher_us) June 22, 2017
Thanks to the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program was established. Falling under this program is the student loan forgiveness for social workers.
Social work is considered public service and is, therefore, eligible to be considered for public service loan forgiveness.
Only federal student loans, however, may be forgiven by this program.
How to qualify for this Student Loan Forgiveness for Social Workers:
- Must first make monthly repayments of his or her student loans for 10 consecutive years
- Work full-time
Before you get a job, be sure to verify with your employer if they are credited under the public service loan forgiveness program. Government offices and non-profit organizations are usually the agencies that qualify for such student loan forgiveness for social workers.
New York State Loan Forgiveness Program
The state of New York has its own student loan forgiveness for social workers.
New York-based social workers can get a maximum of $26,000 forgiven from their student loans.
The great and unique thing about this program is it forgives both federal and private student loans.
How to qualify for this Student Loan Forgiveness for Social Workers:
- Must be a resident of New York for a year
- A licensed social worker for one year as well
National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program
Ready to serve the underserved, our #NationalHealthServiceCorps scholarship recipients #OHIOGrad2017 pic.twitter.com/AVFdyRbq4t
— Heritage College (@OUHCOM) May 5, 2017
The National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program is another student loan forgiveness for social workers.
You can have as much as $50,000 of your student loans repaid through this student loan forgiveness for social worker.
How to qualify for this Student Loan Forgiveness for Social Workers:
- Must be a licensed clinical social worker to qualify for this program
- Practice social work in a community in a Health Professional Shortage Area for a span of two years
Research shows student loan forgiveness incentives may lower social work staff turnover. Learn more: https://t.co/wN8nFe2Npo pic.twitter.com/yKTYqZ9e4t
— NASW (@nasw) October 4, 2016
Loan Repayment Program for Mental Health Professionals
Licensed clinical social workers are also mental health professionals. So, they are eligible for the Loan Repayment Program for Mental Health Professionals.
With this student loan forgiveness for social workers, you may avail up to $40,000.
How to qualify for this Student Loan Forgiveness for Social Workers:
- Must serve 5 years of service in an eligible area to be designated by the committee
Minnesota Health Care Loan Forgiveness
Another state-specific student loan forgiveness for social workers is the Minnesota Health Care Loan Forgiveness.
Once again, this student loan forgiveness program is open only to licensed clinical social workers.
So, one must pursue graduate studies and acquire a license as a clinical social worker.
These are credentials you need to qualify for most student loan forgiveness for social workers.
Under the broad category of social work, the MN Health Care Loan Forgiveness has varying specific guidelines which are available on their website.
Watch this video from Fed Retirement Planning for more information on student loan forgiveness:
Indeed, student loan forgiveness for social workers could still use a little more attention and action, but the programs at present are already immensely helpful.
The government can do no wrong by giving more funding and legislation to these programs.
Social work is at the heart of the many successes of the government.
It is time for those who seek this noble profession to get the reward they deserve.
Want more information on other student loan forgiveness programs? Check out our guide to Student Loan Forgiveness for Nurses! What are your thoughts on student loan forgiveness for social workers? Let us know in the comments below!
Leave a Reply