1. A. A recipient may request that their repayment be deferred if the recipient is:

   1. (1) Unable to maintain employment within their current field for a period not to exceed 12 months because they must care for a spouse or child who is disabled;
   2. (2) Assigned military duty outside of the State, not to exceed 3 years without filing an appeal; or
   3. (3) Married to a spouse assigned military duty outside of the State, not to exceed 3 years without filing an appeal.

2. B. A recipient’s deferment request shall include satisfactory supporting documentation. Such documentation shall consist of the following, as appropriate:

   1. (1) A sworn affidavit by a qualified physician that the recipient is unable to maintain employment within their current field because they must care for a spouse or child who is disabled; or
   2. (2) A copy of military orders.
3. C. The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) shall review all documentation and determine if the deferment conditions have been met and, if so, determine the deferment period.
4. D. A recipient need not make repayments and interest does not accrue during the period of an approved deferment.
5. E. The OSFA shall, on a case-by-case basis, review appeals from individuals assigned military duty outside the State, or married to a spouse assigned military duty outside the State, that exceeds the 3-year deferral limit. Appeals shall be in writing and include a copy of the military orders.

Authority: Education Article, §§11-105(u), 18-204(c), and 18-1503, Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: August 28, 2017 (44:17 Md. R. 836)

Regulation .02A, B amended effective July 25, 2022 (49:15 Md. R. 738)