(a) The department may cancel a student's service or repayment obligation if it determines that:
  (1) the student is unable to complete the academic program, internship or residency, attain certification or licensure, or practice health care because of a total and permanent disability verified by a sworn affidavit of a qualified physician; or
  (2) the student has died and a court-certified copy of a death certificate or other evidence of death that is conclusive under state law has been submitted to the department.
(b) The cosigner of a promissory note shall not be responsible for loan repayment, accrued interest or other charges if the student dies or becomes totally and permanently disabled.
(c) The department may postpone the repayment requirement for a student who is enrolled at least half time at an eligible academic institution. A postponement period is not included when determining the maximum repayment period.
(d) The department may cancel or postpone repayment for a student who provides evidence of extreme financial hardship. In the case of postponement, the period of postponement will not be included in determining the maximum repayment period. The department may require periodic payments on the accrued interest during the postponement period.

Source Note: The provisions of this §30.148 adopted to be effective January 1, 2015, 39 TexReg 10395