20 U.S.C. § 1087–1
Special allowances
In order to assure (1) that the limitation on interest payments or other conditions (or both) on loans made or insured under this part, do not impede or threaten to impede the carrying out of the purposes of this part or do not cause the return to holders of loans to be less than equitable, (2) that incentive payments on such loans are paid promptly to eligible lenders, and (3) that appropriate consideration of relative administrative costs and money market conditions is made in setting the quarterly rate of such payments, the Congress finds it necessary to establish an improved method for the determination of the quarterly rate of the special allowances on such loans, and to provide for a thorough, expeditious, and objective examination of alternative methods for the determination of the quarterly rate of such allowances.
A special allowance shall be paid for each of the 3-month periods ending March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of every year and the amount of such allowance paid to any holder with respect to any 3-month period shall be a percentage of the average unpaid balance of principal (not including unearned interest added to principal) of all eligible loans held by such holder during such period.
The holder of an eligible loan shall be deemed to have a contractual right against the United States, during the life of such loan, to receive the special allowance according to the provisions of this section. The special allowance determined for any such 3-month period shall be paid promptly after the close of such period, and without administrative delay after receipt of an accurate and complete request for payment, pursuant to procedures established by regulations promulgated under this section.
The Secretary shall pay the holder of an eligible loan, at such time or times as are specified in regulations, a special allowance prescribed pursuant to this subsection subject to the condition that such holder shall submit to the Secretary, at such time or times and in such a manner as the Secretary may deem proper, such information as may be required by regulation for the purpose of enabling the Secretary to carry out his functions under this section and to carry out the purposes of this section.
The Secretary shall permit lenders to calculate interest benefits and special allowance through the use of the average quarterly balance method until
Subject to paragraph (6) of this subsection, with respect to any loan (including loans made under section 1078–8 of this title, but excluding loans made under sections 1078–3 and 1087–2(o) of this title) for which a completed note or other written evidence of the loan was sent or delivered to the borrower for signing on or after 10 days after
Such origination fee shall not be taken into account for purposes of determining compliance with section 1077a of this title.
The lender shall disclose to the borrower the amount and method of calculating the origination fee.
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to permit the Secretary to require any lender that is making loans that are insured or guaranteed under this part, but for which no amount will be payable for interest under section 1078(a)(3)(A) of this title or for special allowances under subsection (b) of this section, to collect any origination fee or to submit the sums collected as origination fees to the United States. The Secretary shall, not later than
With respect to any loans made under section 1078–1 1 or 1078–2 of this title on or after
All origination fees collected pursuant to this section on loans authorized under section 1078–1 1 or 1078–2 of this title shall be paid to the Secretary by the lender and deposited in the fund authorized under section 1081 of this title.
Notwithstanding paragraph (2), a lender may assess a lesser origination fee for a borrower demonstrating greater financial need as determined by such borrower’s adjusted gross family income.
If the Secretary collects loan fees under this subsection through the reduction of interest and special allowance payments, and the total amount of interest and special allowance payable under section 1078(a)(3)(A) of this title and subsection (b), respectively, is less than the amount of such loan fees, then the Secretary shall deduct the amount of the loan fee balance from the amount of interest and special allowance payments that would otherwise be payable, in subsequent quarterly increments until the balance has been deducted.
The Secretary shall deposit all fees collected pursuant to paragraph (3) into the insurance fund established in section 1081 of this title.
In order for the holders of loans which were made or purchased with funds obtained by the holder from an Authority issuing obligations, the income from which is exempt from taxation under title 26, to be eligible to receive a special allowance under subsection (b)(2) on any such loans, the Authority shall not engage in any pattern or practice which results in a denial of a borrower’s access to loans under this part because of the borrower’s race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability status, income, attendance at a particular eligible institution within the area served by the Authority, length of the borrower’s educational program, or the borrower’s academic year in school.
The Secretary shall adopt or amend appropriate regulations pertaining to programs carried out under this part to prevent, where practicable, any practices which the Secretary finds have denied loans to a substantial number of eligible students.
With respect to any loan made under this part for which the interest rate is determined under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. App. 527) [now 50 U.S.C. 3937],1 the applicable interest rate to be subtracted in calculating the special allowance for such loan under this section shall be the interest rate determined under that Act for such loan.
Section 1078–1 of this title, referred to in subsecs. (b)(2)(C), (5)(A)(ii) and (c)(6), (7), was repealed by Pub. L. 103–66, title IV, § 4047(b)–(d),
The date of enactment of this section, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(I)(vii)(III)(bb)(AA), probably means the date of enactment of Pub. L. 112–74, which enacted subsec. (b)(2)(I)(vii) and was approved
The Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(I)(viii)(II), is div. U of Pub. L. 117–103,
The effective date of this clause, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(I)(viii)(III), probably means the date of enactment of Pub. L. 117–103, which was approved
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, referred to in subsec. (g), is act Oct. 17, 1940, ch. 888, 54 Stat. 1178, which was classified to section 501 et seq. of the former Appendix to Title 50, War and National Defense, prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as chapter 50 (§ 3901 et seq.) of Title 50. The parenthetical reference to “(50 U.S.C. App. 527)” relates to section 207 of the Act, which is now classified to section 3937 of Title 50. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
A prior section 1087–1, Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, § 438, as added Pub. L. 92–318, title I, § 132E(a),
A prior section 1087–1a, Pub. L. 96–374, title IV, § 420(b),
2022—Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(viii). Pub. L. 117–103 added cl. (viii).
2011—Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(i)(II). Pub. L. 112–74, § 309(e)(2)(A), substituted “the rate determined under subclause (I) (in accordance with clause (vii))” for “such average bond equivalent rate”.
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(v)(III). Pub. L. 112–74, § 309(e)(2)(B), substituted “(iv), (vi), and (vii)” for “(iv), and (vi)”.
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(vii). Pub. L. 112–74, § 309(e)(1), added cl. (vii).
2010—Subsec. (b)(2)(I). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2208(1)(A), which directed amendment of subpar. (I) “in the subclause heading” by inserting “, and before
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(i). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2208(1)(B), inserted “and before
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2208(1)(C), inserted “and before
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(iii). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2208(1)(D), inserted “and before
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(iv). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2208(1)(E), inserted “and that is disbursed before
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(v)(I). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2208(1)(F), inserted “and before
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(vi). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2208(1)(G), inserted “, and before
Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(iii) to (v). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2208(2)(A), inserted “and” after semicolon in cl. (iii), substituted period for “; and” at end of cl. (iv), and struck out cl. (v), which read as follows: “by substituting ‘0.0 percent’ for ‘3.0 percent’ with respect to loans for which the first disbursement of principal is made on or after
Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2208(2)(B), inserted “and first disbursed before
Subsec. (d)(2)(B). Pub. L. 111–152, § 2208(3), inserted “, and before
2009—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 111–39, § 402(f)(11)(A), substituted “1077a(i)” for “1077a(f)”.
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 111–39, § 402(f)(11)(B), which directed substitution of “1986” for “1954” in the first sentence, could not be executed because “1954” did not appear in original text subsequent to amendment by Pub. L. 100–369. See 1988 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (b)(2)(F). Pub. L. 111–39, § 402(f)(11)(C), substituted “1077a(i)” for “1077a(f)”.
2008—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 110–315 added subsec. (g).
2007—Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(i). Pub. L. 110–84, § 305(a)(1), substituted “the following clauses” for “clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv)”.
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(ii)(II). Pub. L. 110–84, § 201(a)(2), substituted “section 1077a(l)(1) or (l)(4)” for “section 1077a(l)(1)”.
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(v)(III). Pub. L. 110–84, § 305(a)(2), substituted “clauses (ii), (iii), (iv), and (vi)” for “clauses (ii), (iii), and (iv)”.
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(vi). Pub. L. 110–84, § 305(a)(3), added cl. (vi).
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 110–84, § 302(b)(2), struck out concluding provisions which read as follows: “As used in this section, the term ‘eligible loan’ includes all loans subject to section 1078–9 of this title.”
Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 110–84, § 305(b), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “With respect to any loan under this part for which the first disbursement was made on or after
2006—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 109–171, § 8013(d)(1), repealed Pub. L. 109–150, § 2(b), (c)(2). See 2005 Amendment note below.
Pub. L. 109–171, § 8013(c)(1), amended directory language of Pub. L. 108–409, § 2. See 2004 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 109–171, § 8013(a)(1), struck out “and before
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(v)(II)(aa), (bb). Pub. L. 109–171, § 8013(a)(2)(A), struck out “and before
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(v)(II)(cc). Pub. L. 109–171, § 8013(a)(2)(B), struck out “, and before
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(vi), (vii). Pub. L. 109–171, § 8013(b), added cls. (vi) and (vii).
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(iii). Pub. L. 109–171, § 8006(b)(1)(A), struck out “, subject to clause (v) of this subparagraph” before period at end.
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(iv). Pub. L. 109–171, § 8006(b)(1)(B), struck out “, subject to clause (vi) of this subparagraph” before period at end.
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(v) to (vii). Pub. L. 109–171, § 8006(b)(1)(C), added cl. (v) and struck out former cls. (v) to (vii), which related to limitation on special allowances for plus loans before
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 109–171, § 8008(c)(1), reenacted par. heading, designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted subpar. (A) heading, and added subpar. (B).
2005—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 109–150, § 2(c)(2), which directed amendment of directory language of Pub. L. 108–409, § 2, was repealed by Pub. L. 109–171, § 8013(d)(1). See 2004 Amendment note and Effective Date of 2006 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(iv), (v)(II). Pub. L. 109–150, § 2(b), which directed substitution of “
2004—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 108–409, § 2, as amended by Pub. L. 109–171, § 8013(c)(1), substituted “this clause” for “this division” in cl. (i) and “clause (i) of this subparagraph” for “division (i) of this subparagraph” in cl. (ii), inserted “or refunded after
2002—Subsec. (b)(2)(I). Pub. L. 107–139, § 2(1), struck out “
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(i). Pub. L. 107–139, § 2(2), struck out “and before
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(ii). Pub. L. 107–139, § 2(3), added cl. (ii) and struck out heading and text of former cl. (ii). Text read as follows: “In the case of any loan for which the first disbursement is made on or after
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(iii). Pub. L. 107–139, § 2(2), (4), struck out “and before
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(iv). Pub. L. 107–139, § 2(2), (5), inserted “or (l)(3)” after “section 1077a(k)(4)” and struck out “and before
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(v). Pub. L. 107–139, § 2(6), inserted “
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(vi). Pub. L. 107–139, § 2(2), (7), in introductory provisions, struck out “and before
Subsec. (b)(2)(I)(vii). Pub. L. 107–139, § 2(8), added cl. (vii).
1999—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 106–170, § 409(a)(1), substituted “(G), (H), and (I)” for “(G), and (H)” in first sentence.
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 106–170, § 409(a)(2), substituted “(G), (H), or (I)” for “(G), or (H)” in first sentence.
Subsec. (b)(2)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 106–170, § 409(a)(3), substituted “(G), (H), and (I)” for “(G) and (H)” in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (b)(2)(H). Pub. L. 106–170, § 409(a)(4), (5), substituted “
Subsec. (b)(2)(I). Pub. L. 106–170, § 409(a)(6), added subpar. (I).
1998—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 105–244, § 416(b)(3)(A), substituted “(F), (G), and (H)” for “(F), and (G)”.
Pub. L. 105–178, § 8301(b)(2)(A), substituted “(E), (F), and (G)” for “(E), and (F)”.
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 105–244, § 416(b)(3)(B), substituted “(F), (G), or (H)” for “(F), or (G)”.
Pub. L. 105–178, § 8301(b)(2)(B), substituted “(E), (F), or (G)” for “(E), or (F)”.
Subsec. (b)(2)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 105–244, § 416(b)(3)(C), substituted “subparagraphs (G) and (H)” for “subparagraph (G)”.
Pub. L. 105–178, § 8301(b)(2)(C), substituted “Subject to subparagraph (G), in the case” for “In the case”.
Subsec. (b)(2)(G). Pub. L. 105–178, § 8301(b)(1), added subpar. (G).
Subsec. (b)(2)(H). Pub. L. 105–244, § 416(b)(1), added subpar. (H).
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 105–244, § 433(a), amended heading and text of par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, the total amount of interest and special allowance payable under section 1078(a)(3)(A) of this title and subsection (b) of this section, respectively, to any holder shall be reduced by the Secretary by the amount which the lender is authorized to charge as an origination fee in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection. If the total amount of interest and special allowance payable under section 1078(a)(3)(A) of this title and subsection (b) of this section, respectively, is less than the amount the lender was authorized to charge borrowers for origination fees in that quarter, the Secretary shall deduct the excess amount from the subsequent quarters’ payments until the total amount has been deducted.”
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 105–244, § 433(b)(1), substituted “(including loans made under section 1078–8 of this title, but excluding” for “(other than” and inserted at end “Except as provided in paragraph (8), a lender that charges an origination fee under this paragraph shall assess the same fee to all student borrowers.”
Subsec. (c)(8). Pub. L. 105–244, § 433(b)(2), added par. (8).
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 105–244, § 433(c), amended heading and text of par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary shall reduce the total amount of interest and special allowance payable under section 1078(a)(3)(A) of this title and subsection (b) of this section, respectively, to any holder of a loan by a loan fee in an amount determined in accordance with paragraph (2) of this subsection. If the total amount of interest and special allowance payable under section 1078(a)(3)(A) of this title and subsection (b) of this section, respectively, is less than the amount of such loan fee, then the Secretary shall deduct such excess amount from subsequent quarters’ payments until the total amount has been deducted.”
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–244, § 433(d)(1), amended heading and text of subsec. (e) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (e) related to lending from proceeds of tax exempt obligations.
1993—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 103–66, § 4111(1), substituted “subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), (E), and (F)” for “subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D)” and “section 1077a(f)” for “section 1077a(e)”.
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 103–66, § 4105, added cl. (iv).
Subsec. (b)(2)(E), (F). Pub. L. 103–66, § 4111(2), added subpars. (E) and (F).
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–66, § 4102(a)(1), inserted “from students” after “origination fees” in heading.
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 103–66, § 4102(a)(2)(A), substituted “sections 1078–3 and 1087–2(o)” for “sections 1078–1, 1078–2, 1078–3, and 1087–2(o)” and “3.0 percent” for “5 percent”.
Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 103–66, § 4102(a)(2)(B), substituted “3.0 percent” for “5 percent”.
Subsecs. (d) to (f). Pub. L. 103–66, § 4103, added subsec. (d) and redesignated former subsecs. (d) and (e) as (e) and (f), respectively.
1992—Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 102–325, § 430(a)(1), (2), substituted “3.10” for “3.25” and inserted at end “If such computation produces a number less than zero, such loans shall be subject to section 1077a(e) of this title.”
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 102–325, § 430(a)(3), substituted “3.10” for “3.25”.
Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 102–325, § 430(a)(4), added cl. (ii) and struck out former cl. (ii) which read as follows: “The rate set under division (i) shall not be less than (I) 2.5 percent per year in the case of loans for which the applicable interest rate is 7 percent per year, (II) 1.5 percent per year in the case of loans for which the applicable interest rate is 8 percent per year, or (III) 0.5 percent in the case of loans for which the applicable rate is 9 percent per year.”
Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 102–325, § 430(a)(5), designated existing provision as cl. (i), inserted “before
Subsec. (b)(2)(D)(i). Pub. L. 102–325, § 430(a)(6), substituted “3.10” for “3.25”.
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 102–325, § 430(c), inserted closing provision which defined “eligible loan” as used in this section to include all loans subject to section 1078–9 of this title.
Subsec. (b)(5)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 102–325, § 430(b), inserted “1078–8,” after “1078–3,”.
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 102–325, § 430(d)(1), substituted “Subject to paragraph (6) of this subsection, with” for “With”.
Subsec. (c)(6), (7). Pub. L. 102–325, § 430(d)(2), added pars. (6) and (7).
Subsec. (d)(2)(C). Pub. L. 102–325, § 430(e), struck out “or discount” after “premium”.
1988—Subsecs. (b)(2)(B)(i), (d)(1), (3). Pub. L. 100–369 substituted “Internal Revenue Code of 1986” for “Internal Revenue Code of 1954”, which for purposes of codification was translated as “title 26” thus requiring no change in text.
1987—Subsec. (b)(2)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 100–50, § 10(bb)(1), substituted “subsection (d) of this section” for “subsection (c) of this section”.
Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 100–50, § 10(d)(2), substituted “12 percent” for “12.5 percent”.
Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 100–50, § 10(bb)(2), added par. (7).
Subsec. (d)(4)(C). Pub. L. 100–50, § 10(cc), struck out “, as evidenced by the information submitted under paragraph (2)(G) of this subsection” after “fiscal year”.
Amendment by Pub. L. 111–39 effective as if enacted on the date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–315 (
Amendment by Pub. L. 110–315 effective for loans for which the first disbursement is made on or after
Amendment by sections 201(a)(2) and 305 of Pub. L. 110–84 effective
Amendment by section 302(b)(2) of Pub. L. 110–84 effective
Amendment by Pub. L. 109–171 effective
Pub. L. 109–171, title VIII, § 8006(b)(2),
Pub. L. 109–171, title VIII, § 8013(c)(3),
Pub. L. 109–171, title VIII, § 8013(d)(2),
Pub. L. 109–150, § 2(d),
Pub. L. 106–170, title IV, § 409(b),
Amendment by section 416(b)(1) and (3) of Pub. L. 105–244 applicable with respect to any loan made, insured, or guaranteed under this part for which the first disbursement is made on or after
Amendment by section 433(a)–(c) of Pub. L. 105–244 effective
Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, § 433(d)(2),
Amendment by section 4102(a) of Pub. L. 103–66 effective
Amendment by Pub. L. 102–325 applicable with respect to loans for which first disbursement is made on or after
Amendment by Pub. L. 100–50 effective as if enacted as part of the Higher Education Amendments of 1986, Pub. L. 99–498, see section 27 of Pub. L. 100–50, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.
Section effective