Section 457-610-7 - REPAYMENT AND RETURN SERVICEA. Loan recipients begin repayment six months after graduation or completion of certification coursework.B. A loan recipient may have the total amount of the loan canceled as follows: (i) by completing one year of return service in a public school, publicly supported secondary school, special education facility, as defined in 20-A MRSA §7001-(6) or private school approved for tuition purposes in the state or in a state operated school, for each year the individual received a loan;(ii) by completing one year of return service in the public schools or private schools approved for tuition purposes in the state or in a state operated school if such service is performed in an underserved subject area or underserved geographic area, for every two years or less that the individual received a loan;(iii) for individuals who attained child care provider qualifications and who received a first program loan after January 1, 2000, by completing one year of return service by working in a child care facility for each year the individual received a loan; or(iv) by completing one year of return service as a Jobs for Maine's Graduates specialist for each year the individual received a loan.C. Return service may not be credited for the same academic term for which an individual has received a loan nor may an individual receiving loan forgiveness for a loan for post-baccalaureate study receive loan forgiveness for any undergraduate loan.D. Return service shall be performed within ten (10) years of graduation from an institution of higher education or completion of certification coursework.E. A loan recipient who fails to fulfill the return service option shall repay the Authority as follows: (1) The debt shall include the total amount of all Educators for Maine Program loans, including interest accruing on loans made with interest, less the amount, if any, which has been canceled by return service.(2) The total debt shall be repaid to the Authority within eleven (11) years of graduation or completion of coursework on an amortization schedule determined by the Authority. Exceptions to the payment deadline due to extenuating circumstances may be granted on a case-by-case basis upon written request to the chief executive officer.(3) For loans first made beginning July 1, 2011 and any renewals thereof, a minimum monthly loan payment of $50 will apply.F. If a recipient has begun fulfilling the return service option by teaching in an underserved subject area, the recipient shall be allowed to complete this option in the same subject area even if the subject area is removed from the list of those designated.G. Recipients who withdraw from school, for whatever reason, prior to completion of the course or courses for which the funds were loaned, will not be allowed to exercise the return service option and will begin repayment six months from the end of the academic term of last attendance and complete repayment within ten years from the date of commencement of repayment.H. A recipient of a loan may seek a deferment of return service or of cash payments. A request for deferment must be made to the chief executive officer who shall make a determination on a case-by-case basis. Generally, no more than three 1-year deferments will be granted. The decision of the chief executive officer shall be final. The time period for performance of return service or payment may be extended for the same period as any deferment granted. Unless expressly stated in writing to the contrary by the chief executive officer in his or her discretion, interest at the rate stated in any applicable Note(s) shall continue to accrue during the period of any deferment.I. In the event of death or permanent disability (as determined by a physician) of a recipient, any unpaid amount due the Authority shall be canceled upon appropriate written verification of the death or permanent disability to the Authority.J. If a cash payment is not made within 30 days following the due date of that payment, the Authority may declare the entire amount due and payable subject to the recipient's right to receive a notice of right to cure. If a default is declared the recipient shall be liable for the amount in default plus any accrued interest and late fees and reasonable attorney's fees.K. If any monthly payment is not paid when due, the holder of the Note may collect a late charge of five cents ($0.05) for each dollar of such payment more than thirty (30) days in arrears.L. Partial loan forgiveness shall be available on a pro-rata basis under sub-section B. "Part time" is considered to be employed on at least a 20% basis, based on a 10-month academic year or a five day work week.94- 457 C.M.R. ch. 610, § 7