Senator Gordner Loan Forgiveness Extension For Servicemen and Women

(HARRISBURG) - - The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has voted to extend the end date for the period during which an individual must have served in the U. S. Armed Forces in order to qualify for the Armed Forces Loan Forgiveness Program, according to state Senator John R. Gordner.

Senator Gordner praised the program, which was created to recognize the bravery, dedication and loyalty of our servicemen and women who served in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks on our nation.

"The program is self-funded by PHEAA and requires no taxpayer support. As of April 15 of this year, the program has provided loan forgiveness for 4,677 servicemen and women," said the Senator.

The PHEAA Board of Directors also voted to extend the program termination date to June 30, 2006.

Senator Gordner urges all qualified individuals to apply for the program, which provides up to $2,500 in student loan forgiveness for American servicemen and women. In order to qualify, individuals must have served in the Armed Forces in an active duty status between September 11, 2001 and December 31, 2005, and have an eligible loan.

Borrowers can contact PHEAA at 800-233-0557 or www.pheaa.org, as well as www.aesSuccess.org to request an application and more information.

CONTACT: Todd B. Roup (717) 787-8928