Later renamed for the late U.S. Senator and education advocate Claiborne Pell, the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant legislation was enacted by Congress as part of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Pell Grants provide funding for low-income students attending institutions of higher learning. Specific laws, rules and regulations apply for Pell Grant eligibility. The first step in applying for a Pell Grant is completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Eligibility
Pell Grant applicants must be U.S. citizens or hold legal permanent resident status, with a valid Social Security number. Males between the ages of 18 to 25 must register for the Selective Service. Applicants must be high school graduates or have General Equivalency Degrees (GEDs). Students must demonstrate financial need through the information supplied on the FAFSA. With the exception of those enrolled in the federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program, Pell Grant recipients cannot have already earned a bachelor's degree.
Criminal Offenses
By law, students convicted under state or federal law for the sale or possession of controlled substances while receiving a Pell Grant lose federal student aid eligibility. Students may also have to return grant funds received during an ineligible period. Those losing this eligibility may regain it under U.S. Department of Education policies by passing two unannounced tests for drugs. These tests must be conducted by certified substance abuse or rehabilitation programs complying with U.S. Department of Education regulations. Students completing prison sentences for sexual offenses and subject to "involuntary civil commitment" after release cannot receive Pell Grants.
Student Loan Defaults
As a grant, Pell funding does not require repayment, unlike a loan. However, students defaulting on federal student loans are ineligible for Pell Grants. Certification that no such default exists is part of the federal student aid application.
FAFSA Special Circumstances
By law, a family has the primary responsibility to pay post-secondary tuition and other expenses for dependent students. The FAFSA information provided on family income and assets determines the Expected Family Contribution, a formula legislated by Congress. In special circumstances, dependent students may be able to submit the form without including parental financial information, These circumstances include parental incarceration, students leaving the family home because of an abusive situations, or students who do not know the location of their parents and have no contact information for them.
Tags: Pell Grant, federal student, Pell Grants, Department Education, dependent students, Higher Education