Get Paid To Move To Washington State & Clear Student Loans!
Get paid to move to Washington State and get rid of your student loans?! Sounds too good to be true? Well, I’m here to fulfill all your student loan-repaying dreams!
I have seen several close friends struggle over many years because of their student loans.
So I have an idea of how burdensome it can be.
If you work as a healthcare service provider, there is a good chance you can apply for one of Washington State’s education loan repayment plans.
All you have to do in exchange is provide your service in the health sector for 2-3 years.
Plus does it hurt that Washington State is one of the most scenic states in the US?
Keep reading to find out how you can say goodbye to the nightmare of student loans!
Summary
- The State Health Program
- The Behavioral Health Program
- The Federal Health Program
- The Nurse Educator Loan Repayment Program
- Who Is Eligible To Apply For The Loan Repayment Programs?
- How Can You Apply To Get Paid To Move To Washington State?
- What Are The Chances Of Being Accepted?
- When Will You Get Paid?
- What Happens If You Get Laid Off?
- What Happens If You Leave Before Your Service Term Is Up?
- What Are The Pros And Cons Of Washington State?
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Here are some fun things for you to do in Washington State:
Why Will The Government Help You Get Paid To Move To Washington State?
While Washington State is a beautiful place to live, where you can enjoy both city life and nature, there is a major ongoing healthcare crisis.
All counties of Washington State are designated Health Professional Shortage Areas. This means that there are more than 3500 patients for each healthcare provider!
To solve this problem, the Washington Health Corps has launched four loan repayment programs for healthcare professionals.
Healthcare providers get help repaying student loans through these Loan Repayment Programs in exchange for their service in ‘critical shortage areas’.
If you get accepted, you will secure a job in healthcare with a competitive salary AND get rid of your student loans! Keep reading as I tell you how.
The State Health Program (SHP)
The State Health Program is supported by state funds. Healthcare providers can receive up to USD 75,000 towards their student loans.
However, the money you receive cannot exceed the actual amount of your student debt, and you will have to provide proof that the money is being used to repay student loans.
You will have to work for a minimum of 3 years if you are employed full-time, that is 40 hours/week at a preapproved site.
You can take time off from work but it can’t be more than 40 days total in one contract year.
If you don’t work full-time, you will have to work a prorated equivalent of up to 5 years, but you still have to meet a minimum of 24 hours/week.
Healthcare Professions Eligible For The State Health Program:
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- Chiropractor
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor
- Licensed Midwife
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Naturopathic Doctor (ND)
- Nurse Practitioner
- Pharmacist
- Physician Assistant
- Registered Dental Hygienist
- Registered Nurse
- Substance Use Disorder Professional
The Behavioral Health Program (BHP)
There are no differences between the State Health Program and Behavioral Health Program in terms of obligations or award amounts. Only the eligible providers differ.
Healthcare Professions Eligible For The Behavioral Health Program:
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor
- Substance Use Disorder Professional
Healthcare Professions Eligible For BHP Only If Specializing In Mental Health:
- Nurse Practitioner
The Federal Health Program (FHP)
The maximum reward you can get from the Federal Health Program is USD 70,000. In exchange, you will have to work full-time (40 hrs/week) for at least 2 years.
You can take time off work that cannot be more than 35 days total in a year.
Healthcare sites eligible for the Federal Health Program have to meet a few requirements:
- They have to be designated a Federal Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).
- They have to be non-profit.
- They have to have a sliding fee schedule. This means that patients with low income pay less for the same services.
Healthcare Professionals Eligible For The Federal Health Program:
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Nurse Practitioner
- Pharmacist
- Physician Assistant
- Registered Dental Hygienist
- Registered Nurse
- Substance Use Disorder Professional
Healthcare Professionals Eligible For The Federal Health Program Only If They Have A Full Independent License:
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor
The Nurse Educator Loan Repayment Program (NELR)
The Nurse Educator Loan Repayment Program is the most recent loan repayment program in Washington State. It launched in 2022 as a state-funded program.
Like the State and Behavioral Health Program, the Nurse Educator Loan Repayment Program rewards nurse educators up to USD 75,000.
In exchange, you will have to teach at least one class per semester at an approved nursing school for 3 years minimum, full-time.
Or if you work part-time, you will have to work a prorated equivalent term for up to 5 years.
To be eligible for this program, you have to be a registered nurse with an advanced degree.
This means you need a degree beyond a bachelor’s. This can be a Master of Nursing, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, etc.
Who Is Eligible To Apply For The Loan Repayment Programs?
Only U.S.-born citizens or naturalized citizens can apply for the Federal Health Program.
For the State and Behavioral Health Programs and Nurse Educator Loan Repayment Programs, you have to be a citizen, permanent resident, or have a legal work permit.
How Can You Apply To Get Paid To Move To Washington State?
The application portals are open each year from January through March. From March to April, the applicants’ and sites’ eligibility are certified.
By June, the decisions are finalized and you will be notified if you have been selected. Once accepted, your contract will begin on the 1st of July.
To be considered, you need to be working at a preapproved site or have an employment contract that starts before/on July 1st.
To complete the application, you will have to provide the following information:
- Copy of lender statements, no older than 30 days, that show your and the lender’s name, as well as the educational debt amount
- A list of the degrees you earned and the colleges you attended and when
- Information about the license under which you will be practicing
- If you are applying for BHP, SHP, or FHP: the date on which you will start seeing patients at the eligible healthcare site
- If you are applying for NELRP: the date you will begin teaching
- If you are applying for NELRP: information about your contract including length, number of classes, number of students, teaching hours, etc.
If you are eligible, you can apply for the SHP, BHP, and FHP. Participants accepted for FHP are notified first. If you accept, your application will be removed from the pool.
If you reject the offer, you’ll still be considered for SHP and BHP. However, there is no guarantee you will be accepted subsequently.
What Are The Chances Of Being Accepted?
Depending on the funds availability and the application pool, your chances will be different each year.
Applicants are selected based on their qualifications and training. But it also depends on the healthcare site you are applying for.
For example, certain areas might be prioritized because of a healthcare provider shortage.
If many people with the same designation from the same site are applying, that could also lower your chances of acceptance.
When Will You Get Paid?
Every quarter of a contract year, you will have to fill out a Quarterly Service Verification Form. This will verify the hours you have worked, including any time you took off.
Once this form has been reviewed and approved, you will be paid for the quarter.
You will also have to submit annual proof that the funds are being used to repay the loans.
What Happens If You Get Laid Off?
Unless you are terminated for cause, the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has a Site Change Policy.
They will help you look for another eligible site so you can finish the remainder of your contract.
What Happens If You Leave Before Your Service Term Is Up?
If you go on an extended leave because of extreme circumstances like medical reasons or FMLA, your services can be deferred and your contract can be extended.
However, you will have to apply for deferment ahead of time and be preapproved.
On the other hand, if you fail to complete the mandatory service period, or violate your contract, you will enter a default repayment status.
For the SHP, BHP, and NELRP, you will either have to pay back the amount paid by the program, or the amount equal to the unfulfilled service term, whichever is less.
For the FHP, you will pay an amount equal to months not served times USD 7,500, with interest. But the minimum payback amount is USD 31,000.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Washington State?
If you are considering moving to Washington State, here are some pros and cons to help you decide.
Pros Of Living In Washington State:
Washington State has a thriving economy, with the highest minimum wage nationally, an expansive and diverse job market, and a high quality of living for Washingtonians.
In addition, Washington State has no state income tax which means you get to keep more of the money you make. There are also great colleges and universities.
Moreover, Washington State is one of the most scenic states in the U.S. with over 8000 lakes. There are many outdoor activities, and it is often called a biker’s paradise.
Overall, Washingtonians enjoy a happy, healthy balanced life.
Cons Of Living In Washington State:
Washington State has a high cost of living with expensive housing. While there’s no state income tax, other tax rates are high.
It’s quite crowded in the cities. Traffic is bad, and crime rates are high.
Washington weather can also be rather gloomy.
FAQs On Get Paid To Move To Washington State
Why Do People Move To Washington State?
So, why do people move to Washington State? Washington has a booming economy, great colleges and universities, beautiful scenery, and is one of the happiest states in the U.S.
Is There A State That Will Pay You To Move There?
Do other states pay you to move there as well? There are several other cities and states that will pay you to move there including, but not limited to, West Virginia, Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas, Illinois, Michigan, and Alabama.
Is It Hard To Get A Job In Washington State?
Wondering if it is hard to get a job in Washington State? Washington State ranked highest in Wallethub’s analysis of job market strength. According to analyst Cassandra Happe, ‘Washington State stands out as the best place to find a job.’
Does The State Of Washington Offer Relocation Assistance?
Does Washington State offer relocation assistance? If you get a job working for the state, the government offers relocation assistance through programs overseen by the Office Of Financial Management.
Otherwise, relocation funds may vary for each job or company and you may have to negotiate.
How Much Does It Cost To Move To Washington State?
So, how much does it cost to move to Washington State? Well, that really depends on where you’re moving from. Good moving companies can charge anywhere from USD 139 to USD 170/hr for 2 movers and a truck.
Here is an excellent moving to Washington State checklist that contains a list of well-rated moving companies.
It also lists important things to do before moving to Washington State. For example, you will have to transfer license to Washington State within 30 days.
Washington State can be a great place to live with the perfect balance between city and nature. Plus you can get paid to move and pay off your student loans.
It definitely sounds like a win to me. So start applying today to get paid to move to Washington State!
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