John R. Justice Repayment Program

This program encourages qualified attorneys to work as public service prosecutors and public defenders in Kentucky.

Three prosecutors and three public defenders will be selected from each Kentucky Supreme Court District, with additional awards to prosecutors and public defenders who have statewide responsibility, for a total of 48 awards.

The awards must be equally distributed between prosecutors and public defenders, so 24 public defenders and 24 prosecutors will receive forgiveness. The estimated award is $1,200 per year. Awards are paid directly to the lender or servicer upon execution of the service agreement required for participation in the JRJ Program. Awards are renewable for two years without executing additional service agreements. However, all awards are subject to federal funding of the program. Applicants must file an application each year.

To apply for the John R. Justice (JRJ) Repayment Program, all applicants must submit a complete JRJ Application (including all required documentation) to KHEAA by the published due date. In addition to the application, all applicants must complete either 1) an Initial Three-Year Service Agreement, 2) an Acknowledgment of Benefit for Prior Beneficiary, or 3) Secondary Term of Service Agreement.

JRJ Application (Fillable PDF)

Service Agreement (Fillable PDF) — Initial Three-year Service

Service Agreement (Fillable PDF) — Acknowledgement of Benefit for Prior Beneficiary

Service Agreement (Fillable PDF) — Secondary Term of Service

Your application can be filled out online. Once printed, please sign and submit it along with the required supplemental materials to:

Fax502-696-7457

Applications must be received or postmarked by Friday, July 14, 2023, to receive consideration.

Your completed application packet must include:

1. Completed and signed application form. The application is in a "fillable" format, and, as such, no handwritten applications will be accepted.
2. Required materials, including:
   • Application Form.
   • Enrollment Verification Form.
   • Educational Debt Form.