What is the Pell Grant?
Free and reduced-cost college tuition is available to students from low- and middle-income families who do not yet have a bachelor’s or master’s degree under the government Pell Grant Program. Scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial assistance can be piled on top of the program’s “foundation” or “floor.” The purpose of the Pell Grant is to make financial aid “portable” and separate from campus-based aid programs. Students who are eligible for the Pell Grant can use their grant to attend any college or university of their choosing.
Timeline of the Pell Grant
Current federal student aid programs offered by the U.S. Department of Education have their foundation in the Higher Education Act of 1965. Through the Educational Opportunity Grant Program, which was a forerunner to the Federal Pell Grant Program, it created federal scholarships for low-income undergraduates. In 1972, Congress established the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant (BEOG) Program, also known as the “Basic Grant.”
In 1980, as a result of the Higher Education Amendments, the BEOG Program was renamed the Pell Grant Program in recognition of Rhode Island Senator Claiborne Pell, who had been an outspoken supporter of federal support for higher education for quite some time.
Several amendments to the Higher Education Act have altered the Pell Grant Program’s funding levels and eligibility criteria since 1980. A major change happened in 1998 with the passage of the Higher Education Amendment, which expanded benefits to include students preparing to teach after earning a bachelor’s degree.
Benefit
Award amounts ranging from $740 to $7,395 will be available to undergraduates in the 2024–2025 school year (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025) who do not yet hold a Bachelor’s or professional degree but who satisfy all other Pell Grant Program requirements. Depending on program funds, the federal government sets the maximum amount each year for Pell Grants.
Federal Student Aid (FSA) programs use the student’s FAFSA information to determine the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which in turn determines the student’s actual award amount. The student’s attendance status and the cost of attendance are factors to consider. A reduced grant may be available to students who enroll for less than a complete academic year or who are part time students.
Financial need is a determining factor in the awarding of Pell Grants. Most prizes go to students with household incomes below $20,000, although students with incomes up to $45,000 may still be eligible. A student can get a Pell Grant as many times as they like, but each school can only give only one award each year.
A student is eligible for a Pell Grant if they:
- Apply for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to prove you need financial aid;
- Must hold the status of U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or qualified noncitizen
- Have an active Social Security number
- Pass an authorized exam showing “ability to benefit” OR have a diploma or GED certificate from high school
- Show enough progress in school
- Maintain enrollment at a qualifying postsecondary institution
- Hold or be on the verge of earning a teaching credential or first bachelor’s degree.
- Make sure the money will only be used for school expenses, and
- Students who are male and between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to register with the Selective Service.
This program does not accept the following students:
- Those who, under Title IV of the Higher Education Act, are obligated to repay money received as grants from federal student aid programs;
- People whose Title IV loans have fallen into default;
- People who are currently serving time behind bars; and
- People convicted of being in possession of or selling illegal narcotics.
Award Determination
Each year, Congress approves a formula that all students must adhere to in order for the Federal Student Aid (FSA) programs to determine the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC). To determine EFC, FSA consults the student’s FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
A student can qualify for a Federal Pell Grant if their Expected Family Contribution is less than a specific amount and they fulfill all the other requirements.
After determining the student’s EFC, the financial assistance administrator will deduct it from the COA. Any remaining funds are regarded as the student’s financial need.
The Pell Grant amount is contingent upon the student’s demonstrated financial need as well as the availability of additional financial assistance programs that can help cover the difference between the student’s expected family contribution and the cost of attendance. When offering the student a financial help package, the school’s financial aid administrator considers these factors.
Special Situations
Under some conditions, the financial aid administrator has the authority to modify the student’s award amount by adjusting the Cost of Attendance or the data utilized to determine the Expected Family Contribution. Students who have unique needs, including high medical bills that prevent them from fully contributing to their education, should contact their financial aid office to see if any modifications are possible. You can change your financial aid award based on disability-related expenses. The student is responsible for covering the costs of any specialized equipment, travel, and accommodations (such as note takers, interpreters, readers, and personal attendants).
Requirement for Residency
It is essential that students meet the legal requirements to reside and attend school in the United States, whether they are citizens, nationals, or qualified noncitizens.
Noncitizens who meet the requirements to participate are classified as (a):
- Permanently residing in the United States (possessing an Alien Registration Card or Form I-551
- I-551C card holder; conditional permanent resident
- Asylum Seeker
- Recipient of asylum
- Parolee
- Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Form I-94 for Cuban-Haitian entrants.
Application for Pell Grant
A completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required of all students applying for Pell Grants and other federal, state, or institutional forms of financial aid. You can apply in either English or Spanish and submit it online or by mail.
In most high schools, you can find a guidance counselor who can help you fill out a paper FAFSA. Additionally, you can obtain them through the following channels: college financial aid offices, libraries, vocational schools, state and community agencies, and by asking the Pell Grant Program directly at:
Pell Grant
Box 84
Washington, D.C. 20044
1-800-433-3243
It is not necessary for students to fill out the whole Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form every time they apply for financial aid. The Renewal FAFSA is a streamlined form of the original application that is used by returning students.
Documentation
The following details are necessary for students to fill out the FAFSA:
- Tax returns (actual or estimated)
- Income documentation (W-2s and others)
- Financial documents that do not incur taxes (such as those concerning Social Security, veteran’s benefits, and CalWORKS)
- Financial documents
- Financial records
- Home loan details
- Company and agricultural documents
- Driver’s license
- SSN
Students who are married or have dependents will also need to provide details about the family’s finances.
Costs of Applying
Submitting an FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) does not cost you anything.
Due dates
If you want to get a grant for the next school year, you have to submit your FAFSA by June 30. The deadline for online applications is June 30 at midnight Central Daylight Time. Keep in mind that the federal deadline isn’t the only deadline for financial help; deadlines for state and institutional aid could be earlier as well. Applicants should file the FAFSA in accordance with the relevant deadline.
Time Required for Processing
The time it takes for the Federal Student Aid (FSA) program to process an application and generate a Student Aid Report (SAR) is around two to four weeks. Included in the SAR is information regarding the student’s expected family contribution (EFC) and other financial statistics. The FAFSA student will have their SAR sent to each of the financial assistance offices they listed. After a student’s acceptance to the school, the financial aid office will use the SAR to determine the student’s help package.
Checking on Progress
Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243 or visit their website to monitor the status of your FAFSA.
Pell Grants and Related Programs
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Using a Pell Grant will not affect your ability to receive Supplemental Security Income. Donations are not viewed as a source of income or an asset.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Pell Grants are available to individuals receiving SSDI provided they demonstrate financial necessity. Benefits from SSDI are unaffected by Pell Grants.
Plans to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)
Another option that people can think about is a PASS Plan, which can help them save money and put it toward a specific objective. You can use a PASS to pay for school supplies or tuition.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
In order to be considered for a Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), students must first submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Because the FSEOG is only available to undergraduates with extremely low estimated family contributions (EFCs), it is often reserved for those students.
Scholarships from $100 to $4,000 are available annually to qualified full-time and part-time students. Like the Pell Grant, the FSEOG does not require repayment.
If a student is eligible for a supplemental award, their school will decide the specific amount. Each school receives a certain amount of money from the federal government through the FSEOG program, and it uses that money to distribute it to students based on its own policies and criteria.
The student may get their Pell Grant funds in two ways: either through the school’s account or by direct payment to the student, typically in the form of a check. You can use a mix of these payment options as well. The school is required to pay the student at least once every term and to provide written notice to the student regarding the allocation of the funds.
Financial aid comes in many forms besides Pell Grants. For additional information about the various alternatives for financial aid, individuals may contact their financial aid officer. Scholarships.com provides resources for individuals with disabilities seeking financial aid.
Common questions about Pell Grants
1. How does a Pell Grant work?
When you need financial assistance to cover the costs of higher education, one option is to apply for a Pell Grant. There is no repayment requirement for Pell Grants.
2. What is the process for requesting a Pell Grant?
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is necessary in order to apply for a Pell Grant. Pell Grants are included in financial aid packages for those who meet the eligibility conditions.
3. Does anyone qualify for the Pell Grant?
To qualify for a Pell Grant, you need to:
- Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to show that you need financial help.
- Must be either a citizen or national of the United States, or an eligible noncitizen
- Must possess a legitimate Social Security number
- Pass an authorized exam showing “ability to benefit” OR have a diploma or GED certificate from high school
- Make enough progress in school
- Maintain enrollment at a qualifying postsecondary institution
- Hold or be on the verge of earning a teaching credential or first bachelor’s degree.
- Make sure the money will only be used for school expenses
- For men aged 18–25, it is mandatory to register with the Selective Service.
4. What is the duration of a Pell Grant and what benefits does it offer?
You can pay for college and other school-related costs with the help of a Pell Grant. As long as you keep meeting the standards, you can earn as many Pell Grants as you like. For the academic year of 2024–2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025), the amount of a Pell Grant can vary between $740 and $7,395.
5. Can I use my Pell Grant for any expenses?
You can use a Pell Grant for anything related to higher education, including tuition, fees, and books.
6. To qualify for a Pell Grant, do you need to meet any specific medical criteria?
No. Income need, not disability, determines eligibility for Pell Grants. The financial aid office is a good place to start looking for ways to modify your aid package if you have exceptional circumstances that make it hard for you to pay for school, like a high medical bill. You may get less financial aid if you have costs linked to your disability.
7. Does my financial situation impact my Pell Grant eligibility?
Yes. Financial necessity is the determining factor for Pell Grant eligibility. Most prizes go to students with household incomes below $20,000, although students with incomes up to $45,000 may still be eligible.
8. When will I be able to get my Pell Grant funds?
Once you’ve accepted a financial assistance offer from your institution, you can apply for your Pell Grant. Typically, funds become available around the start of each new quarter or semester.
9. Is it possible to be qualified for both SSI and a Pell Grant at the same time?
Yes. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) does not count Pell Grants as either income or assets.
Can I get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and a Pell Grant at the same time?
Yes. Since SSDI does not take assets or income into account, a Pell Grant will not impact SSDI eligibility.
10. Can foreign nationals apply for a Pell Grant if they meet certain requirements?
Yes. You need to be a legal resident of the United States, a citizen, national, or eligible noncitizen in order to get a Pell Grant and go to school here.
To qualify as a noncitizen, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Permanently residing in the United States (possessing an Alien Registration Card or Form I-551
- I-551C card holder; conditional permanent resident
- Asylum Seeker
- Recipient of asylum
- Parolee
- Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Form I-94 for Cuban-Haitian entrants.
11. How long can I keep getting a Pell Grant?
As long as you still qualify, you can keep getting Pell Grants. But remember, each academic year, you’re limited to only one award.
12. Is it possible to get a Pell Grant if I only go to school part-time?
Yes. Anyone enrolled for less than a full academic year or who is attending school part-time is eligible to earn a Pell Grant. But your prize money could go down.
13. For the Pell Grant application, what forms of evidence do I need to submit?
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications are required in order to be considered for Pell Grants. To fill out your FAFSA, you will need the following details:
- Tax returns (actual or estimated)
- Forms W-2 and other evidence of income
- Financial documents that do not incur taxes (such as those pertaining to Social Security, veteran’s benefits, and CalWORKS)
- Investment records
- Financial records
- Details about loans
- Farm and business documents
- Driver’s license
- SSN
Financial details from the student’s family will also be required if they are married or have dependents.
14. What other options do I have for financial assistance besides the Pell Grant?
Other forms of financial assistance may be available to you even if you do not qualify for a Pell Grant. For details on additional forms of assistance, you should contact your financial aid officer. Scholarships.com provides resources for individuals with disabilities seeking financial aid.
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