The Illinois Human Services Professional Loan Repayment Program was established by Public Act 102-1089.  The purpose of this program is to help recruit and retain qualified human service professionals to work for community-based human service providers.  The program is administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. 

Applicants that meet qualifying criteria are eligible to receive from $2,000 up to $15,000 in student loan repayments.  Completed applications are due to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission by May 31, 2025.  Only complete applications by June 23, 2025 can be considered for an award for the current (FY25) fiscal year. 

Applicant Eligibility:
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;
  • Must be a current Illinois resident;
  • Need is prioritized according to a Student Loan Burden score;
  • Must have completed an associate’s degree or higher for a qualified program. A $5k add-on is available if applicant is licensed (i.e. LCSW, LCPC, behavioral technician, etc.)
  • Must remain a full-time employee in the same community-based human services organization for at least 12 months after receiving this repayment grant;
  • Cannot be in default on federal guaranteed educational loans, nor owe a refund on ISAC-administered scholarships or grant programs;
  • Must have an outstanding balance on an eligible educational loan.
Additional information linked below:
Provider Information:
ISAC, the Illinois Partners for Human Service, and the Illinois Collaboration on Youth have compiled useful information for providers to review on the program.