To be eligible to borrow Federal Direct Loans, a borrower whose prior loans were discharged due to a total and permanent disability must: 1. Submit certification from a physician on letterhead stating that they are able to engage in substantial gainful activity; and 2. Sign a statement acknowledging that the new loans cannot later be discharged on the basis of any present impairment (injury or illness present at the time the new loans are made), unless their condition substantially deteriorates so that they are again totally and permanently disabled. In addition, if new Direct Loans are requested during the 3-year post‑discharge monitoring period or the conditional discharge period, the borrower must resume repayment on the previously discharged loans before they can receive new loans. If the loans on which they must resume payment were in default when they were discharged or conditionally discharged, they remain in default upon reinstatement, and the borrower must make satisfactory repayment arrangements before receiving the new loans, in addition to meeting the other requirements described.