General Eligibility

Q1: What are the eligibility requirements to participate in the TLRP?

A1: To qualify for the TLRP, an applicant must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a New Jersey resident and maintain residency in the State throughout program participation;
• Hold certification from the New Jersey Department of Education to teach in the state;
• Have been hired on or after January 18, 2022 to teach in a high-need field at the time of hire by your current employer;
• Currently be employed in a high-need field at an eligible school at the time of application;
• Have not previously been selected for participation in the program; and
• Not be in default on any qualifying student loan(s);

Q2: How is my "hire date" determined for TLRP eligibility?

A2: Your hire date is the date you were initially hired by the school district, even if your official start date or first day of instruction occurred later.

• For current teachers, this is the date listed in your district’s human resources or personnel records when you were first offered and accepted a contracted teaching position in a qualifying field and school.
• For newly hired teachers who have not yet started teaching, it is the date your contract was signed or issued for the upcoming school year.

Q3: What types of schools qualify as an eligible institution?

A3: To qualify as an eligible institution, a public school must meet the criteria specified in N.J.S.A. 18A:71C-83, as determined by the New Jersey Department of Education. You can view the current list of eligible schools here*.

*The New Jersey Department of Education determines institution eligibility: To qualify as an eligible institution, a public school must meet the criteria specified in N.J.S.A. 18A:71C-83, as determined by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). To ensure consistency in publicly reported performance data, eligibility for inclusion in the NJ Teacher Loan Redemption Program has been based on school performance on the language arts and mathematics subject areas of the annual state test, as calculated within New Jersey’s existing statewide accountability system. In general, student assessment results are attributed to the accountable school. To address feedback from the field, starting in 2026, the methodology used to determine eligibility for inclusion into the program will be slightly adjusted. These adjustments include (1) the use of results from the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) assessment in addition to the results from the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA), and (2) expanding the opportunity to participate in the program to schools that are typically not included as part of federal accountability determinations. This means that starting with the determinations for the 2026 list, test results for students who test at a specialized program location or a state agency (such as a special services district, an educational services commission, or a Department of Children and Families school) will be attributed to the specialized program school, instead of the sending school, to ensure that those schools have the opportunity to be identified as an eligible institution.

Q4: What academic year is this TLRP application for?

A4: This application cycle is for participation beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year. If you are selected, the 2026-2027 school year will count as the first year of your four-year service commitment under the TLRP.

Location & Residency

Q5: I do not live in New Jersey. Am I eligible to participate in the program?

A5: No, you are not eligible to participate in the program if you live out-of-State. You must reside in New Jersey to participate in the program. Participants must be New Jersey residents both at the time of application and throughout the duration of program participation.

Q6: Does the eligible institution I teach at have to be located in New Jersey?

A6: Yes, the institution must be located in New Jersey. You can view the current list of eligible schools here.

Profession Specific Considerations

Q7: Am I required to have a specific degree to teach at an eligible institution?

A7: Applicants must meet all certification requirements established by the New Jersey Department of Education to teach in New Jersey. HESAA does not impose additional degree requirements beyond those required for certification.

Q8: Is there a required certification or license?

A8: Applicants must meet all certification requirements established by the New Jersey Department of Education to teach in New Jersey. HESAA does not impose additional certification or licensure requirements beyond those required for certification by the New Jersey Department of Education.

Q9: What are the high-need fields currently recognized under the TLRP?

A9: High-need fields are subject areas where the New Jersey Department of Education identified a shortage of qualified teachers. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the TLRP recognizes the following subjects as high-need fields:

• English as a Second Language
• Bilingual Education
• World Languages
• Mathematics
• Science
• Special Education
• Career and Technical Education

Q10: How can I confirm whether the subject I teach within Career and Technical Education is included as a high-need field for the TLRP?

A10: Review the list of approved Career and Technical Education subjects on the HESAA website.

Q11: I do not see my specific subject listed under the Career and Technical Education high-need fields. How can I confirm if my subject qualifies?

A11: Some Career and Technical Education subjects were renamed or grouped under different titles. Please carefully check the list on the HESAA website. This page also links to a Department of Education list of previous subject names. If your subject is not listed, it is not eligible under the TLRP.

Q12: How long is my service obligation, and what happens if I do not complete a full year of service?

A12: Participants selected for the TLRP must enter into a written contract with HESAA that outlines their approved employment service obligation. The minimum service requirement is one full academic year (July 1 – June 30) to be eligible for student loan redemption. The 2026–2027 academic year will serve as the first year of service for applicants selected in this application cycle. The maximum service commitment is four years, for a total of up to $20,000 in student loan redemption.

Although you may withdraw from the program at any time, you must complete a full academic year of service to be eligible to receive student loan redemption. If you do not complete a full year, HESAA will not issue a payment to your student loan servicer(s), your participation in the TLRP will end, and you will not be eligible to reapply in the future. See Question 36 for more information on leaves of absence.

Q13: What happens if I switch the subject I teach?

A13: If you switch to a subject area that is on the list of high-need fields, you will remain eligible for TLRP. If you switch to a subject area that is not on the list of high-need fields, you will no longer be eligible to remain in the program.

Q14: What if I teach multiple subjects? How do I know if I qualify for the TLRP?

A14: If you teach multiple subjects, you qualify for the TLRP as long as at least one of those subjects is currently designated as a high-need field. For example, a second grade teacher who teaches mathematics, science, English/Language Arts, and health is eligible for the program and should select either “mathematics” or “science” on the application. On the Employer Certification both the applicant and the employer should select both “mathematics,” and “science.”

Q15: What happens if I am a program participant, but the subject that I am currently teaching loses its designation as a high-need field?

A15: If the subject you teach loses its designation as a high-need field after you entered into a TLRP agreement with HESAA, you will remain eligible to continue participating in the TLRP as long as you continue to teach the same subject you taught when you entered into your agreement with HESAA.

Q16: What happens if I take a job in a different school district while participating in the TLRP?

A16: You need to notify HESAA immediately upon changing schools or districts within 30 days. If you take a job in a different school district while participating in the TLRP, you will remain eligible for the TLRP only if:

• your new school is on the current list of eligible institutions, and
• you continue teaching a subject on the current list of eligible high-need fields.

Your new employer must also complete and submit an employer certification form to confirm your continued eligibility for student loan redemption.

If your new school is not on the eligible institutions list or the subject you teach at the new school is not on the current list of eligible high-need fields, you will no longer be eligible for the TLRP.

Q17: What happens if the school where I am employed loses its designation as an eligible school or if I am transferred to a school in the same district that is not an eligible school?

A17: If the school where you are employed loses its designation as an eligible institution during your participation in the TLRP, you will remain eligible for the TLRP through the remainder of your service commitment. Similarly, if you are transferred to a school within the same district that is not on the list of eligible schools, you will continue to remain eligible for the TLRP through the remainder of your service commitment.

Q18: I started working at an approved school prior to applying for the program. Can I receive service credit for the time I worked at the approved school prior to applying?

A18: No. Service credit begins in the 2026-2027 school year. You do not receive service credit for any prior years of teaching.

Q19: What types of loans are eligible for redemption?

A19: Federal, NJCLASS, and private student loans used for the actual costs paid for tuition and reasonable education and living expenses related to obtaining a degree are eligible for redemption.

Loans borrowed by someone else on your behalf (e.g., Parent PLUS loans), loans you borrowed or co-signed on behalf of someone else, and non-student loans (e.g., home equity loans, even if used to pay for your degree) are not eligible for redemption under this program. Additionally, student loans that have already been paid off are not eligible for reimbursement under this program.

Q20: Can I participate in the program if my student loans are in default?

A20: Student loans in default are not eligible for the program.

Q21: Do I have to pay New Jersey State income tax on loan redemption payments?

A21: HESAA does not offer legal or tax advice. Please consult an attorney, accountant, and/or tax advisor for specific guidance. As of July 2023, the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s guidance for New Jersey Gross Income Tax (GIT) states as follows: “cancellation of debt (COD) or forgiveness of debt income is not subject to tax. For example, student loan debt forgiveness.” For more details, you can review the New Jersey Division of Taxation’s guidance here: https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/taxation/ppploan.shtml.

Please note, HESAA is not responsible for any changes or updates to this external tax guidance due to changes in law or interpretation after the date provided.

Q22: Do I have to pay federal income tax on loan redemption payments?

A22: HESAA does not provide legal advice on possible tax obligations resulting from receipt of TLRP benefits. Beneficiaries of TLRP remain personally responsible for any tax obligations resulting from benefits paid on their behalf. HESAA provides loan redemption recipients with 1099 forms. TLRP beneficiaries should consult with their tax advisors for any tax advice.

Q23: Can I participate in the TLRP if I am working toward federal student loan forgiveness under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)?

A23: Yes, you can participate in the TLRP while working toward federal student loan forgiveness under the PSLF Program.

Q24: Do I need to continue to pay my student loans while participating in the TLRP?

A24: Yes, you must continue to make your regular student loan payments while participating in the TLRP. HESAA will send the loan redemption payments directly to your student loan servicer(s) at the end of each year of service.

Q25: How and when do I apply to the TLRP?

A25: You may apply to the program during the open application period beginning August 14, 2026 by visiting the TLRP page on the HESAA website.

You will need to create an account in HESAA’s online portal, while returning users — those with any existing HESAA NJCLASS loans, NJBEST Matching Grant accounts, or a previous HESAA loan redemption program application — can log in to start their application. Please note, this is not your NJFAMS login.

Complete applications, including all required documentation, must be submitted online no later than 11:59 PM ET on September 30, 2026. Late or incomplete application submissions will not be accepted.

Q26: What documentation do I need to submit with my application?

A26: To submit a completed application you must provide the following required documents:

• Valid New Jersey Teaching Certificate
• Completed Employer Certification Form
• Employment Contract
• Student Loan Summary: Detailed documentation of eligible student loans, including the lender’s name, current balance, account number(s), and loan disbursement dates.*

  *Please Note: If your eligible student loans have been consolidated, you must also provide the loan details for all of the original underlying loans included in your consolidation loans, including the account number(s) and the loan disbursement dates for each underlying loan.

• Billing statement within the past 30 days
• New Jersey State-Issued ID

Q27: What happens if my employer refuses to complete my employment certification form?

A27: Participation in the TLRP requires a signed employment certification form from your Human Resources Representative. If your employer refuses to complete the certification, HESAA cannot redeem your loans and your participation in the program will be terminated.

Q28: How will my application be scored?

A28: Once the application period closes, HESAA will review applications and select participants based on the following criteria, weighted as follows:

• District’s number of unfilled teacher vacancies: 60%
• Applicant’s student loan burden: 25%
• Applicant’s hiring date: 15%

Q29: Do I have to reapply to the program if my prior application was denied or is my application automatically reconsidered each year?

A29: If your prior application was denied, you need to reapply to the program during the next available application period. Applications are not automatically reconsidered each year. You must submit a new application during the open application period to be considered for the new round of funding.

Q30: Do I have to reapply each year if I am a current participant in the TLRP?

A30: You do not need to reapply each year if you are a current participant in the TLRP. Once you are accepted into the TLRP and signed your service agreement, program funds are reserved for your entire service commitment. However, your employer must certify your employment annually in order to remain in the TLRP and to initiate payment by HESAA to your student loan servicer(s).

Q31: Can I submit the application now and send the supporting required documentation later?

A31: You may upload documents at any time during the open application period. However, once the application period closes, you will no longer be able to submit or resubmit any documents through the HESAA online portal or by any other means (e.g., email, postal service). Please ensure all required documents are uploaded to your application in the HESAA online portal before the deadline, as no exceptions will be made after the application period closes.

Q32: What happens if the program runs out of money?

A32: The TLRP is funded by an appropriation in the annual State budget. As a result, funding for new participants in the program is subject to availability each year. However, once you are accepted into the program (with a signed service agreement), funds are reserved for your entire service term.

Q33: When will I be notified if I am accepted into the program?

A33: You will be notified of your acceptance status once the review and selection process is complete. Be sure to monitor your email and check your application status online through the HESAA website for updates.

Q34: How is the student loan redemption amount applied to my student loans?

A34: HESAA will send the loan redemption payments directly to your student loan servicer(s). The payments will be applied toward your outstanding student loan balance, and you will receive confirmation once the payments are processed and mailed to your lender. You should check your student loan account to verify that the payment was received, but please allow some time for the lender to post the payment to your account. You must continue to make your regular student loan payments while participating in the TLRP.

Q35: I returned the signed service agreement. When will my student loans be redeemed?

A35: Each year you will receive an “Employment Certification” form to be completed by your employer. Once HESAA receives your completed form and updated billing statement(s) for all of your eligible student loans, HESAA will issue a payment directly to your servicer(s).

Q36: What happens if I take a leave of absence during my service obligation?

A36: If you take a leave of absence during your service obligation, you must submit written notification to HESAA within 30 days detailing your last day of work, the type of leave time used (e.g., family or medical leave), and the date you plan to return to work. You are required to follow the leave of absence policy of your employer. HESAA will adjust contract years to account for approved leave.

Q37: What happens if my employment changes from full-time to part-time?

A37: To qualify for an annual redemption payment, you must be employed full-time in a high-need subject at an eligible school for the entire academic year. If your employment status changes to part-time, you will not receive a payment for that year, your participation in the TLRP will end, and you will not be eligible to reapply to participate in the TLRP in the future.

Q38: What can I do if my application is denied?

A38: If your application is denied, HESAA will provide written notification explaining the reasons for the denial. The letter will include instructions on where to send a written appeal, along with any supporting documentation, which must be submitted within 30 days of the date of the denial notice. HESAA will review your appeal and respond within 30 days. If your appeal is denied, you may make a further appeal to the New Jersey Superior Court Appellate Division.

Q39: What supporting documentation should I include with my appeal?

A39: When submitting your appeal, include any supporting documents that you believe could clarify your eligibility as related to the reasons provided in the denial letter or confirm that you submitted all required documents at the time of application. Please note, if you did not provide any required documents at the time of application, you cannot complete your application by submitting the required documents upon appeal.

Q40: How long does the appeals process take?

A40: Once an appeal is submitted, HESAA will review your appeal and provide a written response within 30 days of receiving it.

Q41: How will I be notified of the outcome of my appeal?

A41: HESAA will notify you in writing of the outcome of your appeal.

Q42: Can I reapply if my appeal is denied?

A42: If your appeal is denied, you can reapply during any future application cycle, provided you meet the eligibility criteria at that time.