[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 188 (Friday, September 28, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55049-55055]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-19237]


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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

34 CFR Parts 674, 682 and 685

RIN 1840-AC88


Federal Perkins Loan Program, Federal Family Education Loan 
Program, and William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program

AGENCY: Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education.

ACTION: Final regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Secretary is amending the Federal Perkins Loan (Perkins 
Loan) Program, Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program, and 
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program regulations 
to implement the changes to the Higher Education Act of 1965, as 
amended (HEA), resulting from enactment of the Third Higher Education 
Extension Act of 2006 (THEEA), Pub. L. 109-292. These final regulations 
reflect the provisions of the THEEA that authorize the discharge of the 
outstanding balance of certain Perkins, FFEL, and Direct Loan Program 
loans for survivors of eligible public servants and other eligible 
victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

DATES: Effective Date: These final regulations are effective October 
29, 2007.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Brian Smith, U.S. Department of 
Education, 1990 K Street, NW., 8th Floor, Washington, DC 20006. 
Telephone: (202) 502-7551 or via the Internet at: [email protected].
    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may 
call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339.
    Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an 
alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer 
diskette) on request to the contact person listed under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 28, 2006, the Secretary 
published in the Federal Register (71 FR 78075) interim final 
regulations for the Federal Perkins Loan, FFEL, and Direct Loan 
programs. The interim final regulations were effective on January 29, 
2007.
    The December 28, 2006, interim final regulations included a request 
for public comment. This document contains a discussion of the comments 
we received and revisions to the interim final regulations that we made 
as a result of these comments.
    These final regulations contain several significant changes from 
the interim final regulations. We fully explain the changes in the 
Analysis of Comments and Changes section elsewhere in this preamble.

Analysis of Comments and Changes

    In response to the Secretary's invitation in the interim final 
regulations, 8 parties submitted comments on the interim final 
regulations.
    An analysis of the comments and of the changes in the regulations 
since publication of the interim final regulations follows. We group 
major issues according to subject, with appropriate sections of the 
regulations referenced in parentheses. Generally, we do not address 
technical and other minor changes and suggested changes the law does 
not authorize the Secretary to make. We also do not respond to comments 
that address issues that were outside the scope of the interim final 
regulations.

Rights of a Borrower if an Application Is Denied

    Comments: One commenter noted that, while there is no formal 
appeals process for a borrower whose application for a discharge is 
denied under the interim final regulations, if a borrower disputes the 
lender's decision,

[[Page 55050]]

the borrower may contact the Secretary to ask her to look into the 
situation. The commenter urged the Secretary to work proactively to 
ensure that each potential applicant for the discharge of student loans 
for survivors of victims of the attacks of September 11, 2001 is 
presented with all necessary information regarding how to apply, the 
application process, and the applicant's rights in the event the 
discharge application is denied.
    Discussion: The discharge application form will describe the 
eligibility requirements for the discharge and explain what information 
needs to be included with the application. The process to apply for the 
discharge--where to send the application, contact information if the 
borrower has questions, and so on--is different for each loan holder. 
The Secretary expects loan holders to provide information about the 
process and eligibility requirements to borrowers who apply for a 
discharge. If a borrower is not satisfied with the information provided 
by a lender in response to a discharge application, the borrower may 
contact the Department of Education's (Department's) Office of the 
Ombudsman.
    Changes: None.

Eligibility of a Defaulted Perkins Loan for a Discharge (Sec.  
674.52(c)(3))

    Comments: One commenter asked whether a defaulted Perkins Loan 
would qualify for a discharge under the interim final regulations.
    Discussion: If a borrower meets the eligibility criteria for a 
discharge, the borrower qualifies for the discharge regardless of the 
repayment status of the loan.
    Changes: We have modified Sec.  674.52(c)(3) to specify that a 
borrower may qualify for a discharge of a defaulted Perkins Loan.

Use of the Term ``Permanently and Totally Disabled'' (Sec. Sec.  
674.64(a), 682.407(a), and 685.218(a))

    Comments: Several commenters questioned why the interim final 
regulations use the term ``permanently and totally disabled'', while 
Sec.  682.402 of the FFEL Program regulations uses the term ``totally 
and permanently disabled''. The commenters requested using ``totally 
and permanently disabled'' in Sec.  682.407, to be consistent with 
Sec.  682.402.
    Discussion: The interim regulations mirror the language used in the 
THEAA, which uses the term ``permanently and totally disabled.'' We 
believe that using the term ``permanently and totally disabled'' helps 
to distinguish the September 11-related discharges from the total and 
permanent disability discharge addressed in Sec.  682.402. Although the 
criteria for the two discharges are similar, they are not identical. An 
individual who is ``totally and permanently disabled'' must meet 
additional eligibility criteria to be considered ``permanently and 
totally disabled due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on 
September 11, 2001.'' Therefore, we believe that it is useful to 
maintain different terminology for the two discharges. Accordingly, for 
purposes of the September 11-related discharges and these regulations, 
and in accordance with the THEEA, we are using the term ``permanently 
and totally disabled''.
    Changes: None.

Extending the Timeframe for Receipt of Medical Treatment (Sec. Sec.  
674.64(a), 682.407(a), and 685.218(a))

    Comments: Several commenters recommended that we extend the 
timeframe by which an eligible victim or an eligible public servant 
must have received medical treatment in order to qualify as 
``permanently and totally disabled due to injuries suffered in the 
terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.'' The interim final 
regulations specified that medical treatment must have been received 
within 24 hours of the time the injury was sustained, or within 24 
hours of the rescue. The commenters point out that the September 11th 
Victim Compensation Fund regulations, on which many of the definitions 
in the interim final regulations are based, provide a timeframe of 72 
hours for receipt of medical treatment in certain circumstances.
    These commenters also recommended that we allow individuals who did 
not receive medical treatment within 72 hours to qualify as eligible 
victims or eligible public servants on a case-by-case basis.
    Discussion: We agree with the recommendation to extend the 
timeframe for receipt of medical treatment from 24 hours to 72 hours. 
However, we do not agree that the final regulations should provide for 
exceptions to the 72-hour timeframe on a case-by-case basis. The 
discharge established by the THEEA applies to the survivors of 
individuals who died or became permanently and totally disabled ``due 
to injuries suffered in'' the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. 
We believe that evidence that the individual sought medical treatment 
within the 72-hour timeframe is necessary to determine whether an 
individual died or became permanently and totally disabled due to 
injuries suffered in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and that 
exceptions to the timeframe would not be appropriate.
    The Department considered whether exceptions made to this rule by 
the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund would also merit exceptions 
here. We found that most of the recipients of a case-by-case exception 
by the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund were rescue workers, 
whose injuries occurred not from the crashes, but in their efforts 
afterward. Since they would not therefore be eligible for this 
discharge under statute, we do not believe the case-by-case exceptions 
provided for in the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund regulations 
are relevant to this program.
    Furthermore, we believe that allowing case-by-case exceptions could 
lead to inequities. The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund 
permitted case-by-case exceptions because the Special Master decided 
all the cases and could ensure fair treatment for all applicants. In 
the student loan programs, however, it would be difficult to ensure 
equal treatment of all borrowers, because the case-by-case exceptions 
would by made by lenders and guaranty agencies in the FFEL program, 
Perkins institutions in the Perkins Loan program, and the Department in 
the Direct Loan program. We believe that the interim final regulations 
treat borrowers fairly and in accordance with Congressional intent and 
that an exception process would undercut achieving these goals.
    Changes: We have revised Sec. Sec.  674.52(a)(3)(i)(A), 
682.407(a)(5)(i)(A), and 685.218(a)(5)(i)(A) to extend the timeframe 
for receipt of medical treatment from 24 hours to 72 hours.

Limiting Discharge to Physical Injuries (Sec. Sec.  674.64(a), 
682.407(a), 682.218(a))

    Comments: Under the interim final regulations, an eligible victim's 
or eligible public servant's disability must be ``the result of a 
physical injury to the individual.'' Several commenters recommended 
expanding the definition of ``permanently and totally disabled due to 
injuries suffered in the attacks on September 11'' to include non-
physical injuries.
    One commenter recommended extending the timeframe for receipt of 
medical treatment for an unspecified period beyond the 24 hours 
established in the interim final regulations for individuals with 
psychological or emotional disabilities.
    Discussion: The THEEA provides for discharges to the survivors of 
individuals whose death or permanent and total disability is 
attributable to

[[Page 55051]]

``injuries suffered'' in the September 11 terrorist attacks. The 
Secretary has interpreted this provision of the statute to limit the 
definitions of ``eligible victim'' and ``eligible public servant'' to 
individuals who were physically injured or died in the September 11 
attacks. This approach is also consistent with the September 11th 
Victim Compensation Fund regulations, which limited compensation to 
individuals who experienced physical harm.
    Changes: None.

Certification That an Eligible Victim Was Present at the Crash Site 
(Sec. Sec.  674.64(a), 682.407(a), 682.407(e)(2)(ii), and 685.218(a))

    Comments: Several commenters noted that the interim final 
regulations did not specify who should sign the certification that an 
eligible victim was present at one of the September 11, 2001 crash 
sites at the time of the attacks, but that the draft discharge 
application specified that the certification should be signed by the 
borrower. The commenters recommended revising the FFEL regulations to 
reflect the requirement on the draft application form.
    Discussion: We agree. In addition we realized that the 
certification that an individual was ``present at the World Trade 
Center in New York City, New York, at the Pentagon in Virginia, or at 
the Shanksville, Pennsylvania site'', as that term is defined in the 
interim final regulations, would not include individuals who were on 
board American Airlines flights 11 or 77 or United Airlines flights 93 
or 175 on September 11, 2001. To simplify the discharge application 
process, we believe that the certification should cover all individuals 
present at the crash sites, whether they were in the buildings, in 
areas contiguous to the crash sites, or on board the airplanes.
    Changes: We have revised Sec.  682.407(e)(2)(ii) to specify that 
the certification must be signed by the borrower. We have also modified 
the definition of ``Present at the World Trade Center in New York City, 
New York, at the Pentagon in Virginia, or at the Shanksville, 
Pennsylvania site'' in Sec. Sec.  674.64(a)(5), 682.407(a)(7), and 
685.218(a)(7) to include individuals who were on board American 
Airlines flights 11 or 77 or United Airlines flights 93 or 175 on 
September 11, 2001. This change makes the references to individuals who 
died on board the flights in the definition of ``Died due to injuries 
suffered in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001'' redundant. 
Therefore, we've removed the references to American Airlines flights 11 
and 77, and United Airlines flights 93 and 175 from Sec. Sec.  
674.64(a)(2)(ii), 682.407(a)(1)(ii), and 685.218(a)(4)(ii).

Eligibility Determinations (Sec. Sec.  682.407(b)(4), 682.407(c)(1), 
685.218(b)(4), and 685.218(c)(1))

    Comments: Some commenters noted that the September 11-related 
discharge identifies several new categories of borrowers, with 
different eligibility requirements and different discharge benefits. 
Several commenters requested clarification on which benefits apply to 
which category of borrowers.
    Discussion: We agree that the interim final regulations could be 
clearer as to which discharge benefits apply to each of the different 
categories of borrowers.
    Changes: We have revised Sec.  682.407(c)(1) of the FFEL 
regulations to clarify that under these regulations: The spouse of an 
eligible public servant may receive a discharge of a FFEL loan; a 
parent of an eligible victim may receive a discharge of a PLUS Loan 
incurred on behalf of the eligible victim; a parent of an eligible 
victim may receive a discharge of the portion of a FFEL Consolidation 
Loan that repaid a PLUS Loan incurred on behalf of an eligible victim; 
and a spouse of an eligible victim may receive a discharge of the 
portion of a joint FFEL Consolidation Loan obtained on behalf of the 
eligible victim.
    In addition, we have added a new Sec.  682.407(b)(4), specifying 
that the parent of an eligible public servant may receive the same 
benefits with regard to the discharge of PLUS Loans and Consolidation 
Loans that the parent of an eligible victim receives. The parent of the 
eligible public servant must apply for the discharge under the 
procedures, eligibility criteria, and documentation requirements of a 
parent of an eligible victim.
    We have also made comparable changes in Sec. Sec.  685.218(c)(1) 
and 685.218(b)(4) of the Direct Loan Program regulations. We have not 
made similar changes to the Perkins Loan Program regulations since this 
issue relates only to PLUS Loans and Consolidation Loans.

Discharge Benefits for the Spouse or Parent of an Eligible Victim 
(Sec. Sec.  674.64(b), 682.407(b), 685.218(b))

    Comments: Several commenters asked whether the spouse of an 
eligible victim is entitled to any additional discharges under the 
interim final regulations. They pointed out that the portion of a 
Consolidation Loan incurred on behalf of a borrower who has become 
totally and permanently disabled or has died is already dischargeable 
under the procedures specified in Sec.  682.402.
    In addition, these commenters pointed out that there is no 
requirement under Sec.  682.402 that a borrower of a joint 
Consolidation Loan must still be married to the co-borrower, or must 
have been married to the co-borrower at the time of his or her death. 
To qualify for a partial discharge of a joint Consolidation Loan under 
Sec.  682.407, the co-borrowers must still be married, or must have 
been married at the time of the death of one of the co-borrowers. These 
commenters recommended eliminating this requirement from Sec.  682.407.
    Discussion: The spouse of an eligible victim may apply for a 
discharge of the portion of a joint Consolidation Loan attributable to 
an eligible victim under the procedures in Sec.  682.402 or under the 
procedures in Sec.  682.407. If the borrower obtains a partial 
discharge of a joint Consolidation Loan under Sec.  682.402, the 
borrower may also qualify for a refund of payments, as provided for in 
Sec. Sec.  682.402(b)(5) or 682.402(c)(1)(i). Under Sec.  682.407, the 
September 11-related discharge does not provide for a refund of 
payments to a borrower who has made payments. However, unlike a 
discharge under Sec.  682.402, a borrower who applies for a partial 
discharge of a Consolidation Loan due to permanent and total disability 
under Sec.  682.407 is not subject to a three-year conditional 
discharge period prior to the discharge.
    A borrower may apply for a partial discharge of a joint 
Consolidation Loan under either Sec.  682.402 or Sec.  682.407. If the 
borrower of a joint Consolidation Loan has made payments on the loan 
that would be refunded if the discharge were granted, it would be more 
advantageous for the borrower to apply for a partial discharge of the 
joint Consolidation Loan under Sec.  682.402. If the borrower has not 
made payments that would be refunded, it would be more advantageous for 
the borrower to apply for a discharge of the joint Consolidation Loan 
under Sec.  682.407.
    A similar situation exists for a parent borrower of a PLUS Loan. A 
PLUS Loan may be discharged due to the death of the student for whom 
the PLUS Loan was obtained. If the student for whom a parent borrowed a 
PLUS Loan died in the September 11 attack, the parent could either 
apply for a death discharge on the PLUS Loan under Sec.  682.402(b) or 
apply for a September 11-related discharge under Sec.  682.407.
    With regard to the marital status of co-borrowers of joint 
Consolidation Loans, under the THEEA, the September 11-related 
survivor's discharge applies to eligible parents, and to the spouses of

[[Page 55052]]

eligible victims or eligible public servants. The THEEA does not 
provide for a discharge to former spouses of eligible victims or 
eligible public servants.
    Changes: We have added provisions to Sec.  682.407(g) of the FFEL 
regulations clarifying that a borrower with a joint Consolidation Loan 
may apply for a partial discharge under either Sec.  682.407 or Sec.  
682.402 and that a parent PLUS Loan borrower may apply for a discharge 
due to the death of the student under either Sec.  682.407 or Sec.  
682.402. We have also added similar provisions to Sec.  685.218(g) of 
the Direct Loan regulations. No change is required in the Perkins Loan 
regulations because there are no Consolidation Loans or PLUS Loans in 
the Perkins Loan program.

Discharge Eligibility of a Parent PLUS Borrower Who Obtained Loans on 
Behalf of an Eligible Public Servant (Sec. Sec.  682.407(b) and 
685.218(b))

    Comments: The parent of an eligible victim who borrowed a PLUS Loan 
on behalf of an eligible victim may qualify for a discharge of the PLUS 
Loan under these regulations. Several commenters asked whether a parent 
who has obtained a PLUS Loan on behalf of an eligible public servant 
would also qualify for a discharge.
    Discussion: The parent of an eligible public servant may qualify 
for a discharge of a PLUS Loan under these regulations. However, the 
parent need not provide the additional documentation required to 
demonstrate that the individual qualifies as an eligible public 
servant. The eligibility criteria for the parent of an eligible victim 
also apply to the parent of an eligible public servant.
    Changes: In the FFEL Program regulations, we have added a new Sec.  
682.407(b)(4) to clarify that a parent who has borrowed a PLUS Loan on 
behalf of an eligible public servant may qualify for a discharge under 
the same procedures, eligibility criteria, and documentation 
requirements that apply to an eligible parent applying for a discharge 
of a loan incurred on behalf of an eligible victim. We have also added 
a comparable provision to Sec.  685.618(b)(4) of the Direct Loan 
Program regulations.

Payment of Discharge Claims by a Guaranty Agency (Sec. Sec.  
682.407(c)(8) and 682.407(c)(10))

    Comments: Several commenters stated that the regulations should 
specify how a guaranty agency should treat unpaid interest on a loan 
that accrues during the claim filing and claim approval process when 
the agency pays an approved discharge claim.
    Discussion: We agree.
    Changes: We have added a new Sec.  682.407(c)(10) to the FFEL 
Program regulations, providing rules for payment of interest that 
accrues during the period after the lender determines that the borrower 
qualifies for a discharge and before the claim is filed; during the 
period following the lender's receipt of a claim returned by the 
guaranty agency for additional documentation; and during the period 
required by the guaranty agency to approve or return the claim. These 
changes will address the interest accrued in these circumstances in a 
manner consistent with Sec.  682.402(h)(3)(i) through (iii) of the FFEL 
Program regulations.
    In addition, we have replaced the cross-reference in Sec.  
682.407(c)(8) with text to improve the clarity of the regulations. The 
cross-reference to Sec.  682.402(h)(1)(i)(B) established a timeframe of 
90 days for a guaranty agency to pay a lender a September 11-related 
discharge claim. The new regulatory language maintains the 90-day 
timeframe, but eliminates the need to refer to a different section of 
the regulations.

Requiring a Lender To Provide a Guaranty Agency a Promissory Note 
(Sec.  682.407(c)(4))

    Comments: Several commenters recommended that we remove the 
requirement that a lender provide an original or true and exact copy of 
the promissory note to the guaranty agency when filing a September 11-
related discharge claim. The commenters stated that the guaranty agency 
doesn't need the promissory note to process the claim, and the 
information provided on the promissory note is not needed to determine 
a borrower's eligibility for a discharge.
    Discussion: We agree.
    Changes: We have removed the requirement that a lender provide an 
original or true and exact copy of the promissory note to the guaranty 
agency from Sec.  682.407(c)(4).

Resumption of Payment When a Discharge Is Denied (Sec.  682.407(c)(7))

    Comments: Several commenters noted that if a borrower's discharge 
application is denied, the suspension of collection activity is 
converted to a forbearance. The interim final regulations state that 
the forbearance ends on the ``first payment due date''. The commenters 
noted that the forbearance should end on the ``next payment due date''.
    Discussion: We agree.
    Changes: We have revised Sec.  682.407(c)(7) by replacing ``first 
payment due date'' with ``next payment due date''.

Documentation of the Death of an Eligible Victim (Sec. Sec.  
682.407(d)(5)(i) and 685.218(d)(5)(i))

    Comments: In the course of our review of the public comments, we 
discovered an error in the provisions of the regulations that establish 
documentation requirements for the death of an eligible victim. In both 
the FFEL and Direct Loan versions of the current regulations, 
Sec. Sec.  682.407(d)(5)(i) and 685.218(d)(5)(i) require the borrower 
to provide the documentation described in paragraphs (d)(2)(ii), 
(d)(2)(iii), and (d)(3) of those sections. Paragraph (d)(2)(ii) refers 
to requiring an original or certified copy of a death certificate. 
Paragraph (d)(3) refers to an alternative to an original or certified 
copy of a death certificate. There is no need to require both an 
original or certified copy of a death certificate, and an alternative 
to an original or certified copy of a death certificate.
    Changes: We have revised Sec. Sec.  682.407(d)(5)(i) and 
685.218(d)(5)(i) to require either a certified or original copy of a 
death certificate, or, as an alternative, documentation that the 
individual received a death discharge on a Title IV loan.

Executive Order 12866

Regulatory impact analysis

    Under Executive Order 12866, the Secretary must determine whether 
this regulatory action is ``significant'' and therefore subject to the 
requirements of the Executive Order and subject to review by the OMB. 
Section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 defines a ``significant 
regulatory action'' as an action likely to result in a rule that may 
(1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more, or 
adversely affect a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, 
jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or State, local or 
tribal governments or communities in a material way (also referred to 
as an ``economically significant'' rule); (2) create serious 
inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by 
another agency; (3) materially alter the budgetary impacts of 
entitlement grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and 
obligations of recipients thereof; or (4) raise novel legal or policy 
issues arising out of legal mandates, the President's priorities, or 
the principles set forth in the Executive order.

[[Page 55053]]

    Pursuant to the terms of the Executive order, it has been 
determined this regulatory action will not have an annual effect on the 
economy of more than $100 million. We believe that approximately 1,000 
borrowers are eligible for discharge of their loans under these 
provisions and that the costs incurred by the Department, lenders, and 
guaranty agencies to make the necessary systems changes to implement 
the discharge will approximate $1,350,000. Therefore, this action is 
not ``economically significant'' and is not subject to OMB review under 
section 3(f)(1) of Executive Order 12866. However, this action is 
subject to OMB review under section 3(f)(4) of the Executive order.

Need for Federal regulatory action

    These final regulations are needed to implement recent amendments 
to the HEA that affect students, borrowers and program participants in 
the Federal student aid programs authorized under Title IV of the HEA.
    The Secretary has limited discretion in implementing these 
provisions. The changes included in these final regulations simply 
modify the Department's regulations implementing loan discharges for 
the outstanding balance of certain Perkins, FFEL, and Direct Loan 
Program loans for survivors of eligible public servants and other 
eligible victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    As noted in the interim final regulations, the Department has been 
developing the application necessary to implement the provisions of 
this rulemaking activity. The Federal Register notice implementing the 
interim final regulations also served as a Notice inviting comment on 
the collection of information associated with these regulations.
    We have received 23 comments on the new Perkins, FFEL, and Direct 
Loan Discharge Application for September 11, 2001 Survivors. We are 
currently in the process of making revisions to the discharge 
application, based on the public comment that we have received and on 
changes made by these final regulations. We will make the discharge 
application available shortly after publication of the final 
regulations.

Assessment of Education Impact

    Based on our own review, we have determined that these final 
regulations do not require transmission of information that any other 
agency or authority of the United States gathers or makes available.

Electronic Access to This Document

    You may view this document, as well as all other documents of this 
Department published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe Portable 
Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: http://www.ed.gov/news/fedregister.
    To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available 
free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. 
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the Washington, DC, area at (202) 512-1530.

    Note: The official version of this document is the document 
published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the 
official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal 
Regulations is available on GPO Access at: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/nara/index.html.

List of Subjects in 34 CFR Parts 674, 682 and 685

    Administrative practice and procedure, Colleges and universities, 
Education, Loan programs-education, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Student Aid.

    Dated: September 25, 2007.
Margaret Spellings,
Secretary of Education.

0
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Secretary amends parts 
674, 682, and 685 of title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations as 
follows:

PART 674--FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN PROGRAM

0
1. The authority citation for part 674 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1087aa-1087hh and 20 U.S.C. 421-429, unless 
otherwise noted.


Sec.  674.52  [Amended]

0
2. Section 674.52 is amended in paragraph (c)(3) by removing the word 
``cancellation'' and adding, in its place, the word ``discharge'' and 
by adding the words ``, or, if the borrower is the spouse of an 
eligible public servant as defined in Sec.  674.64(a)(1), on account of 
the death or disability of the borrower's spouse,'' immediately after 
the words ``death or disability of the borrower''.

0
3. Section 674.64 is amended by:
0
A. Revising paragraph (a)(2).
0
B. In paragraph (a)(3)(i)(A), removing the number ``24'' both times it 
appears, and adding, in its place, the number ``72''.
0
C. In paragraph (a)(5)(i), removing the word ``or'' at the end of the 
paragraph.
0
D. In paragraph (a)(5)(ii), removing the punctuation ``.'', and adding, 
in its place, the words ``; or''.
0
E. Adding a new paragraph (a)(5)(iii).
0
F. In paragraph (b)(4), removing the word ``lender'' and adding, in its 
place, the word ``institution''.
0
G. In paragraph (c)(3), removing the words ``If the individual owed'' 
and adding, in their place, the words ``If the eligible public servant 
owed''.
0
H. In paragraph (f)(1), adding the word ``outstanding'' immediately 
after the word ``Only''.
0
The revision and addition read as follows:


Sec.  674.64  Discharge of student loan indebtedness for survivors of 
victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (2) Died due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on 
September 11, 2001 means the individual was present at the World Trade 
Center in New York City, New York, at the Pentagon in Virginia, or at 
the Shanksville, Pennsylvania site at the time of or in the immediate 
aftermath of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes on September 11, 
2001, and the individual died as a direct result of these crashes.
* * * * *
    (5) * * *
    (iii) On board American Airlines flights 11 or 77 or United 
Airlines flights 93 or 175 on September 11, 2001.
* * * * *

PART 682--FEDERAL FAMILY EDUCATION LOAN (FFEL) PROGRAM

0
4. The authority citation for part 682 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1071 to 1087-2, unless otherwise noted.


0
5. Section 682.407 is amended by:
0
A. Revising paragraph (a)(4).
0
B. In paragraph (a)(5)(i)(A), removing the number ``24'' both times it 
appears, and adding, in its place, the number ``72''.
0
C. In paragraph (a)(7)(i), removing the word ``or''.
0
D. In paragraph (a)(7)(ii), removing the punctuation ``.'', and adding, 
in its place, the words ``; or''.
0
E. Adding a new paragraph (a)(7)(iii).
0
F. Adding a new paragraph (b)(4).
0
G. Revising paragraph (c)(1).
0
H. Removing paragraph (c)(4)(i).
0
I. Redesignating paragraph (c)(4)(ii) as (c)(4)(i).
0
J. Redesignating paragraph (c)(4)(iii) as (c)(4)(ii).
0
K. In paragraph (c)(7), removing the word ``first'' and adding, in its 
place, the word ``next''.
0
L. In paragraph (c)(8), removing the words ``within the timeframe

[[Page 55054]]

established for payment of disability claims in Sec.  
682.402(h)(1)(i)(B).'' and adding, in their place, the words ``not 
later than 90 days after the claim was filed by the lender.''
0
M. Redesignating paragraphs (c)(10) through (c)(13) as paragraphs 
(c)(11) through (c)(14), respectively.
0
N. Adding a new paragraph (c)(10).
0
O. In paragraph (d)(5)(i), removing the parentheticals ``(d)(2)(ii), 
(d)(2)(iii), and (d)(3)'' and adding, in their place, the 
parentheticals, ``(d)(2)(ii) or (d)(3), and (d)(2)(iii)''.
0
P. In paragraph (e)(2)(ii), adding the words ``signed by the borrower'' 
immediately after the words ``A certification''.
0
Q. In paragraph (g)(1), adding the word ``outstanding'' immediately 
after the word ``Only'', and adding the word ``outstanding'' 
immediately after the words ``were owed on September 11, 2001, or,''.
0
R. Redesignating paragraph (g)(2) as paragraph (g)(2)(i).
0
S. Adding a new paragraph (g)(2)(ii).
0
T. Adding a new paragraph (g)(2)(iii).
0
The additions and revisions read as follows:


Sec.  682.407  Discharge of student loan indebtedness for survivors of 
victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (4) Died due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on 
September 11, 2001 means the individual was present at the World Trade 
Center in New York City, New York, at the Pentagon in Virginia, or at 
the Shanksville, Pennsylvania site at the time of or in the immediate 
aftermath of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes on September 11, 
2001, and the individual died as a direct result of these crashes.
* * * * *
    (7) * * *
    (iii) On board American Airlines flights 11 or 77 or United 
Airlines flights 93 or 175 on September 11, 2001.
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (4) The parent of an eligible public servant may qualify for a 
discharge of a FFEL PLUS loan incurred on behalf of the eligible public 
servant, or the portion of a FFEL Consolidation Loan that repaid a FFEL 
or Direct PLUS Loan incurred on behalf of the eligible public servant, 
under the procedures, eligibility criteria, and documentation 
requirements described in this section for an eligible parent applying 
for a discharge of a loan incurred on behalf of an eligible victim.
    (c) Applying for discharge. (1) In accordance with the procedures 
in paragraphs (c)(2) through (c)(13) of this section, a discharge may 
be granted on--
    (i) A FFEL Program Loan owed by the spouse of an eligible public 
servant;
    (ii) A FFEL PLUS Loan incurred on behalf of an eligible victim;
    (iii) The portion of a FFEL Consolidation Loan that repaid a PLUS 
loan incurred on behalf of an eligible victim; and
    (iv) The portion of a joint Consolidation Loan incurred on behalf 
of an eligible victim.
* * * * *
    (10) The amount payable on an approved claim includes the unpaid 
interest that accrues during the following periods:
    (i) During the period before the claim is filed, not to exceed 60 
days from the date the lender determines that the borrower qualifies 
for a discharge under this section.
    (ii) During a period not to exceed 30 days following the date the 
lender receives a claim returned by the guaranty agency for additional 
documentation necessary for the claim to be approved by the guaranty 
agency.
    (iii) During the period required by the guaranty agency to approve 
the claim and to authorize payment or to return the claim to the lender 
for additional documentation, not to exceed 90 days.
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) A borrower may apply for a partial discharge of a joint 
Consolidation loan due to death or total and permanent disability under 
the procedures in Sec.  682.402(b) or (c). If the borrower is granted a 
partial discharge under the procedures in Sec.  682.402(b) or (c) the 
borrower may qualify for a refund of payments in accordance with Sec.  
682.402(b)(5) or Sec.  682.402(c)(1)(i).
    (iii) A borrower may apply for a discharge of a PLUS loan due to 
the death of the student for whom the borrower received the PLUS loan 
under the procedures in Sec.  682.402(b). If a borrower is granted a 
discharge under the procedures in Sec.  682.402(b), the borrower may 
qualify for a refund of payments in accordance with Sec.  
682.402(b)(5).
* * * * *

PART 685--WILLIAM D. FORD FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM

0
6. The authority citation for part 685 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1087a et seq., unless otherwise noted.


0
7. Section 685.218 is amended by:
0
A. Revising paragraph (a)(4).
0
B. In paragraph (a)(5)(i)(A), removing the number ``24'' both times it 
appears, and adding, in its place, the number ``72''.
0
C. In paragraph (a)(7)(i), removing the word ``or'' at the end of the 
paragraph.
0
D. In paragraph (a)(7)(ii), removing the punctuation ``.'', and adding, 
in its place, the words ``; or''.
0
E. Adding a new paragraph (a)(7)(iii).
0
F. Adding a new paragraph (b)(4).
0
G. Revising paragraph (c)(1).
0
H. In paragraph (d)(5)(i), removing the parentheticals ``(d)(2)(ii), 
(d)(2)(iii), and (d)(3)'' and adding, in their place, the 
parentheticals, ``(d)(2)(ii) or (d)(3), and (d)(2)(iii)''.
0
I. In paragraph (e)(2)(ii), adding the words ``signed by the borrower'' 
immediately after the words ``A certification''.
0
J. In paragraph (g)(1), adding the word ``outstanding'' immediately 
after the word ``Only'', and adding the word ``outstanding'' 
immediately after the words ``were owed on September 11, 2001, or''.
0
K. Redesignating paragraph (g)(2) as paragraph (g)(2)(i).
0
L. Adding a new paragraph (g)(2)(ii).
0
M. Adding a new paragraph (g)(2)(iii).
    The additions and revisions read as follows:


Sec.  685.218  Discharge of student loan indebtedness for survivors of 
victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (4) Died due to injuries suffered in the terrorist attacks on 
September 11, 2001 means the individual was present at the World Trade 
Center in New York City, New York, at the Pentagon in Virginia, or at 
the Shanksville, Pennsylvania site at the time of or in the immediate 
aftermath of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes on September 11, 
2001, and the individual died as a direct result of these crashes.
* * * * *
    (7) * * *
    (iii) On board American Airlines flights 11 or 77 or United 
Airlines flights 93 or 175 on September 11, 2001.
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (4) The parent of an eligible public servant may qualify for a 
discharge of a Direct PLUS loan incurred on behalf of the eligible 
public servant, or the portion of a Direct Consolidation Loan that 
repaid a FFEL or Direct PLUS Loan incurred on behalf of the eligible 
public servant, under the procedures, eligibility criteria, and 
documentation requirements described in this section for an eligible 
parent applying for a

[[Page 55055]]

discharge of a loan incurred on behalf of an eligible victim.
    (c) Applying for discharge. (1) In accordance with the procedures 
in paragraphs (c)(2) through (c)(4) of this section, the Secretary 
discharges--
    (i) A Direct Loan owed by the spouse of an eligible public servant;
    (ii) A Direct PLUS Loan incurred on behalf of an eligible victim;
    (iii) The portion of a Direct Consolidation Loan that repaid a PLUS 
loan incurred on behalf of an eligible victim; and
    (iv) The portion of a joint Direct Consolidation Loan incurred on 
behalf of an eligible victim.
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (ii) A borrower may apply for a partial discharge of a joint Direct 
Consolidation loan due to death or total and permanent disability under 
the procedures in Sec.  685.212(a) or Sec.  685.213. If the borrower is 
granted a partial discharge under the procedures in Sec.  685.212(a) or 
Sec.  685.213 the borrower may qualify for a refund of payments in 
accordance with Sec.  685.212(g)(1) or Sec.  685.212(g)(2).
    (iii) A borrower may apply for a discharge of a Direct PLUS loan 
due to the death of the student for whom the borrower received the PLUS 
loan under the procedures in Sec.  685.212(a). If a borrower is granted 
a discharge under the procedures in Sec.  685.212(a), the borrower may 
qualify for a refund of payments in accordance with Sec.  
685.212(g)(1).
* * * * *
 [FR Doc. E7-19237 Filed 9-27-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4000-01-P