(a)

(1) Qualified applicants for the Arkansas National Guard Student Loan Repayment Program may apply by obtaining an application form from, and signed by, his or her unit commander.

(2) The application shall include as an attachment a certification by an appropriate officer of the approved institution verifying that the applicant has been accepted or remains in good standing as a full-time student for the school year in which the loan repayment is sought, and must include certification from a qualified lending institution that a loan has been approved and is not in default.

(b) (1) (A) Qualified applicants must obtain an additional certification from the approved institution verifying his or her continued enrollment as a full-time student in good standing in order to receive the second or any subsequent semester award.

(B) Such certification shall be presented to the unit commander within thirty (30) days of the beginning of the semester for which a loan repayment is sought.

(2) Verification from a qualified lending institution that an approved loan is in place and not in default must accompany each subsequent certification.

(c)

(1) It shall be the responsibility of the unit to forward completed applications, including recertifications from an approved institution and verifications from the lender, to the Arkansas National Guard Incentive Officer for processing and payment.

(2) Payment shall be made directly to the approved institution, on behalf of and for the benefit of the qualified applicant, in a manner as may be established by regulation of the Adjutant General.