Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) LRAP F.A.Q.
- Who decided the requirements for applicants?
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The UW LRAP program received a significant amount of funding from the Washington State Legislature in 2007. As such, there are some requirements the legislature put into place at that time. Participants must be:
- Employed in a 'legal position.'
- Employed by a government entity or a non-profit organization.
- Employed in a position located in the State of Washington.
- Graduates of the ºìÌÒÊÓÆµ.
The program is also subject to certain limitations based on its status as a forgivable student loan program allowing the non-taxable discharge of student loan debt under the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. § 108(f)). For example, eligible non-profit employers are limited to 501(c)(3) organizations and University of Washington employees are not eligible to participate.
- Can I apply for LRAP if I have an LL.M. from UW School of Law but not a J.D.?
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No, the UW LRAP is only for graduates of the UW J.D. program.
- I graduated from UW School of Law many years ago, can I still apply for the LRAP?
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Yes, there is no requirement that applicants must have graduated within a specific number of years so long as you satisfy the other eligibility requirements (including the applicable salary cap).
- I don't have a job, but I want to do public service legal work. Can I apply for LRAP?
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No. LRAP exists to support UW graduates employed at least 30 hours a week for a qualifying 501(c)(3) non-profit organization or government employer. Individuals who are not employed are encouraged to contact their lenders to inquire about the possibility of deferments, forbearance, or other similar accommodations for their individual circumstances.
- I am a contract public defender. Can I qualify for LRAP?
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Unfortunately, the applicable state legislation requires that participants be employed by a government entity or a non-profit organization. While the LRAP Selection Committee recognizes that many public defenders are employed by private firms but solely represent indigent clients, the currently applicable LRAP legal framework does not allow for the program to include these employers.
- The information you ask for on the loan certifications—outstanding principal, required monthly payments, and evidence that I am not behind on my payments—is available on my lender's website. Can I download or screenshot this information and submit it?
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Yes. So long as all information is present, you can submit evidence of your loan information from the lender’s website.
- Is the deadline a postmark deadline?
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Yes, applications must be postmarked or emailed to Travis Pietila at tpietila@uw.edu by the date specified in the application instructions. Regrettably, it may not be possible to consider late applications.
- Will you pay my student loan payments directly?
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No. LRAP participants will receive a check directly from the law school. It is the responsibility of the participant to make payments directly to his or her lender.
- Do I need to reapply each year?
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No. If an applicant is selected for the LRAP program they will continue in the program so long as they remain eligible. However, participants will need to provide documentation each year showing that they still meet the LRAP qualifications.
- If I receive an award and stop working or change jobs during the year, how will that affect my award?
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Any changes to your employment status must be reported to the LRAP program office in writing within 30 days. The LRAP Selection Committee shall consider each situation on a case-by-case basis. If applicants fail to provide this information and it affects their program eligibility, they may be responsible for repayment of partial or all award monies received. Salary increases in the middle of the LRAP cycle year will not affect eligibility until the renewal process for the subsequent program year.