The MDHEWD has administered the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) in the state of Missouri since 1979. Although the federal Healthcare and Education Affordability Act of 2010 eliminated the ability of FFELP guarantors to originate new loans as of July 1, 2010, the MDHEWD does still service and maintain its portfolio of loans guaranteed prior to that date. As part of its statutory responsibilities within FFELP, the MDHEWD offers numerous free services and programs to help Missouri students access and succeed in postsecondary education.