(a) The ability to make awards each year is contingent upon the availability of funds.
(b) If possible, the Department shall make an award to every applicant who satisfies the requirements of this chapter, consistent with the limitations established in § 1107A of this title.
(c) Where there are insufficient funds to make an award to every applicant who satisfies the requirements of this chapter, the Secretary shall give priority to applicants who meet the following criteria:
(1) Applicants employed in both a certification field and a school that the Department has identified as high needs area as defined in § 1102A(5)b. of this title; or
(2) Applicants having the greatest financial need.
(d) The applicants having the greatest financial need shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Secretary. The Secretary shall request at least the following information, but the weight to be given to the information shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Secretary:
(1) The applicant's income;
(2) The applicant's spousal income;
(3) The number of the applicant's dependents; and
(4) The total amount of the applicant's qualified educational loans.
(e) The Secretary shall have the sole discretion to prioritize applications and determine awards consistent with the requirements of subsections (b) and (c) of this section.
(f) The Department shall make a loan payment directly to the applicant's lending agency on behalf of the applicant.
(g) An applicant may receive only 1 award per year, and may receive no more than 5 awards in their lifetime.