COMDTINST 12500.3A — Student Loan Repayment Program

COMDTINST 12500.3A governs Coast Guard policy and procedures for student loan repayment benefits for civilian employees.

Search COMDTINST 12500.3A

  • Publication number: COMDTINST 12500.3A
  • Title: STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM
  • Date: 2/17/2023
  • Proponent: CG-122

View COMDTINST 12500.3A on armypubs.army.mil


The publication defines eligible student loans and service agreements, and addresses approval, funding, payment procedures, and repayment limits. It requires written requests, supporting documentation, funding certification, and annual revalidation for repayments beyond the initial three-year approval.

Applies to: This Instruction sets Coast Guard policy and procedures governing the use of student loan repayment benefits for Coast Guard civilian employees paid from appropriated funds.

Topics covered

  • Student loan eligibility
  • Service agreements
  • Repayment benefit approval
  • Funding determinations
  • Annual payment limits
  • Loan repayment procedures
  • Recruitment and retention incentives

Questions and answers

What student loans qualify for repayment benefits?

A Student Loan is a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under parts B, D, or E of Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965; or a health education assistance loan made or insured under Part A of Title VII of the Public Health Service Act, or under Part E of Title VII of that Act.

How long must a student loan repayment service agreement last?

A Service Agreement is a written agreement between the Coast Guard and an employee under which the employee agrees to a specified period of employment of not less than three years, in return for payments towards a student loan previously taken out by the employee.

What documentation is required for a student loan repayment request?

The request must be documented using the Request for Student Loan Repayment Benefit, Form CG-12500A.

Who makes the final funding determination for the program?

Commandant (CG-832) will make final funding determinations subject to availability of funds.

What are the annual and individual limits for student loan repayment benefits?

Eligible employees may be considered for student loan repayment benefits up to $10,000 (pre-tax) per calendar year, with a $60,000 (pre-tax) agency-wide (DHS) maximum for any individual.

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