1. When can I apply? Applications will be available in August 2025 and will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis through December 2025 until funds are exhausted. 2. Application instructions? Click here 3. Where should I submit my application and required documents? Applications and documents must be uploaded to the Connecticut Office of Higher Education Student Portal, CT Scholars. Hard copies will not be accepted. 4. Do I need to be a Connecticut resident? Yes, applicants must be current Connecticut residents and have lived in the state for a minimum of five (5) years immediately prior to the date on their application submission. 5. What is the volunteer hour requirement? Applicants must complete fifty (50) hours of volunteer service for each year of participation in the Student Loan Reimbursement Program. Volunteer hours must be completed with a nonprofit organization(s) that is exempt from taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)3, a state Municipal government, serving as a fire fighter or EMS, required unpaid work as a student for any certificate program and serving with the US armed forces. The commissioner of Higher Education may grant a hardship waiver for volunteer hours to those who are unable to complete this requirement because of medical condition or disability or was a Stone Academy Student. Hardship medical circumstances must be documented by physician signature. 6. Which volunteer hours are counted? Volunteer hours must have begun after January 1, 2024. 7. Can I apply if I have already received reimbursement? You will not be able to apply until after January 1, 2026. 8. Can I use volunteer hours again? Volunteer hours can be used once per reimbursement. 9. Do I need to complete volunteer hours before submitting the application? Yes, the application is incomplete without a notarized Volunteer Organization Confirmation Form, which is generated from the application. 10. Can military service count toward volunteer hours? Yes, military service is considered acceptable for the 50-hour requirement. The form must be notarized by the commanding officer or authorized supervisor of your branch. 11. Are Stone Academy students eligible? Volunteer hours are waived for former Stone Academy students who were enrolled in Stone Academy’s practical nurse program between November 1, 2021, and February 28, 2023, and did not complete the program or participated in a teach-out. 12. Does employment at a nonprofit or municipal government count as volunteering? No, only unpaid volunteer hours at a nonprofit organization and municipal government are eligible. For example, serving on a municipal Board of Education will be accepted as volunteer hours. 13. Can I split my volunteer hours between multiple nonprofits? Yes, the 50 hours can be completed with multiple eligible nonprofit organizations. 14. Are there specific loan payment requirements? Applicants must have an outstanding loan balance and have made payments during 2024 toward qualifying student loans (e.g., federal direct, PLUS, Perkins, CHESLA or private student loans). 15. What if I consolidated my loans into a home equity or personal loan? Payments toward home equity or personal loans do not qualify. 16. Is the reimbursement considered taxable income? Yes, your reimbursement is taxable, and recipients will receive a 1099-MISC form for the award year. Recipients must fill out a W9 to receive a check from the State of Connecticut. 17. Can I apply if my loans are in deferment for most of 2024? Yes, as long as at least one payment is made in 2024 toward a qualifying loan. 18. Can this program be used alongside Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)? Yes, but if your loan is fully forgiven through PSLF, you are not eligible for reimbursement. 19. What if my loan is in Forbearance? To be eligible, at least one payment must be made on a loan during 2024. 20. What if I only made payments toward interest? To be eligible, at least one payment must be made on a loan – interest or principle. 21. May I upload a copy of my professional license/certificate if I graduated with an associate or bachelor’s degree (i.e., teaching certificate). No, a diploma will be used by our office to verify that you graduated from a Connecticut public or private university. Certificates are only accepted if they are received from an accredited non-degree granting institution. 22. Why do I have to fill out a Vendor Form? You are the vendor; this form allows you to receive a check from the State of Connecticut. 23. I submitted my application documentation, however, on the CT Scholar Portal it still indicates that my documentation is pending. Why is this? You can check your application status in the CT Scholar Student Portal. Please allow up to four weeks for pending documentation to be reviewed. Approved documents will no longer appear on your application status.