The federal Pell grant is a financial aid grant intended for college students. This is a need-based grant, so the students have to prove that they are financially needy to qualify for this grant. A single mother who is making under $30,000 a year may be eligible for a Pell grant, but she needs to look at all of the eligibility factors to know her qualification status for certain.
Basics
The federal Pell grant provides financial aid that does not need to be paid back. The Pell grant is intended for those who are financially needy and may not have the money to go to school without financial aid. This grant is mostly awarded to undergraduate students, although some postbaccalaureate students may be able to receive it. The award has a maximum amount of $5,550 per year, as of 2011, and you can receive it every year you are an undergraduate.
Basic Eligibility
Pell grants follow the same basic eligibility rules as other types of federal financial aid. You must be a United States citizen with financial need. A high school diploma or GED is required. You have to be currently accepted into a college program that you plan on attending. You must also have a Social Security number and be registered with Selective Service. Once you have started school, you must keep your GPA at a satisfactory level with that school to continue receiving Pell grant money. This money must only be used for educational expenses.
Financial Eligibility
Since the Pell grant is need based, a number of factors go into determining whether or not you are financially eligible to receive it. Many different types of information are required, such as your adjusted gross income, your earned income, current levels of financial aid and how much you have paid in federal taxes. You must establish your independent status so you do not need to include your parents' information. Generally, with an adjusted gross income of $30,000 and at least one dependent, a single mother would qualify for the Pell grant if she met all other eligibility factors.
Application
You can apply for the Pell grant through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FASFA. This application takes down your financial and family information and will inform you on the scholarships, grants and loans you are eligible for. This application determines your expected family contribution to determine which awards you can receive, as well as the specific amounts you can receive.
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