((a)) In order to respond to special circumstances, the Secretary concerned may pay (by advancement or reimbursement) a person who is a former captive for expenses incurred, while attending an educational or training institution, for—

((1)) subsistence;

((2)) tuition;

((3)) fees;

((4)) supplies;

((5)) books;

((6)) equipment; and

((7)) other educational expenses.

((b)) Except as provided in , payments shall be available under this section for a person who is a former captive for education or training that occurs—

((1)) after the termination of the status of that person as a captive; and

((2)) on or before—

((A)) the end of any semester or quarter (as appropriate) that begins before the end of the 10-year period beginning on the date on which the status of that person as a captive terminates; or

((B)) if the educational or training institution is not operated on a semester or quarter system, the earlier of the end of any course that began before such date or the end of the 16-week period following that date.

((c)) Payments shall be available under this section only to the extent that such payments are not otherwise authorized by law.