Hello: I am a contract public defender. I am in 3-year contract with the county to provide legal services to indigent clients from a certain region. I am paid directly by the County but given a 1099 at the end of the year, not a w2. My understanding has always been that I don’t qualify for PLSF based on this work, however nonsensical that may seem. But having just learned of your site, I figured I would pose the question. Thank you for the righteous work you do.

Assuming I don’t qualify, could you please tell me where the authority is found? I can’t find anywhere in text of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act that contract employees aren’t covered; however, I have seen it stated elsewhere.

Doesn’t a 1099 mean you are an independent contract/self-employed? Then you aren’t technically a county employee.

it may not be specified in the law but the policy says you have to be employed by one of the agencies. If by definition of the 1099 you are self-employed then you don’t meet the PSLF guidelines.