Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, after the department determines that the lender and borrower have exhausted all reasonable means of curing any default, the department within its discretion may, when it is in the best interests of the state, the borrower, and the lender, cure the default of the borrower by making payment from the fund directly to the lender of any amounts of the original principal obligation and interest of the loan that are accrued and unpaid. The payment shall be secured by an assignment to the department of a pro rata share of the security agreements made to the lender and, upon the payment, the borrower shall become liable for repayment of the amount thereof to the office over a period

and at a rate of interest as shall be determined by the department.