---
kind: "section"
citation: "34 C.F.R. § 30.21"
title: "34"
number: "30.21"
heading: "When may the Secretary offset a debt?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/34/30.21"
---

# §30.21. When may the Secretary offset a debt?

- (a) The Secretary may offset a debt if:
  - (1) The debt is liquidated or certain in amount; and
  - (2) **Offset is feasible and not otherwise prohibited.**
- (b)
  - (1) Whether offset is feasible is determined by the Secretary in the exercise of sound discretion on a case-by-case basis, either:
    - (i) For each individual debt or offset; or
    - (ii) **For each class of similar debts or offsets.**
  - (2) **The Secretary considers the following factors in making this determination—**
    - (i) **Whether offset can be practically and legally accomplished.**
    - (ii) Whether offset will further and protect the interests of the United States.
- (c) The Secretary may switch advance funded grantees to a reimbursement payment system before initiating an offset.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3(a)(1), and 1226a-1, 31 U.S.C. 3711(e), 31 U.S.C. 3716(b) and 3720A, unless otherwise noted.

### Source

Source: 51 FR 24099, July 1, 1986, unless otherwise noted.