Dear Heather,

I am interested in applying for Teacher Loan Forgiveness. I am a special ed teacher at a qualifying secondary school. I continue to have questions about my eligibility, in particular centered on this language:
The date referenced for Teacher Loan Forgiveness is ……. If you are a teacher and also a new borrower (i.e., you did not have an outstanding balance on a Direct Loan or FFEL Program loan on Oct. 1, 1998, or on the date you obtained a Direct Loan or FFEL Program loan after Oct. 1, 1998) .

The language around the date of 1998 is confusing to me. I had Stafford Loans taken out for a previous degree in 2005; I am still in repayment for these loans. The loans for which I would seek forgiveness were taken out in 2011. Does my previous Stafford loan from 2005 disqualify me from participating in this program?

Thank you for your help.

Best,
Jordan