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Federal Pell Grant, Apply for Free Grants for College

A federal Pell grant application is easier to do in 2012-2013 and now the grants are worth more than ever. This program is your best strategy to graduate with as little college loan debt as possible.

There are now even more changes to this program from the time Congress passed and President Obama signed the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010. In December 2011, an omnibus spending bill was passed that changed several of the health bill's provisions affecting Pell grants.

Maximum income requirements which were raised for the 2011-2012 school year, and were supposed to start increasing in 2013 to reflect annual changes in the Consumer Price Index, have been cut again. Thousands of students who were just barely eligible for an award, will not get one in 2012-2013.

However, the maximum and minimum amount of the award has not changed from 2011-2012. And it is still possible that increases could occur automatically each year, unless Congress votes not to allow these.

It is important to note that the packaging of financial aid starts with your Pell award. This grant cannot be reduced because of other aid, whether military, state, institutional or private. It is your other financial student aid (loans, state grants, scholarship awards) which can be reduced if the amounts add up to more than the cost of attendance.

So what's new for 2012-2013?

More questions skipped on the form, no minimum enrollment hours continued, a lower income allowed, summer Pell grants canceled for the forever, the awards themselves at historic highs, and a new regulation that schools must disburse Pell funds by the seventh day of the start of the payment period (school session).

Learn about federal grant changes.

Here is all the information you need- Paragraphs lead to pages with more about each topic:

What is a Pell Grant?

This page gives you an overview of the grant program- what it's purpose is, some background on what it used to be like, what it can do for you now and where its going in the future. More students receive these awards than ever before. And most importantly, it can qualify you for other financial aid programs as well. Colleges and states rely on this program to help them decide how to apportion their own aid. Learn about what it is...

Pell Grant Eligibility

This explains who is actually eligible to apply. Before income qualifications are even considered, what are the prerequisites? Does your situation meet the standards for federal grants for college? How is eligibility documented and checked? What changes are likely to be made to the program as far as eligibility? (Most students are eligible for consideration, but its best to check and make sure.) Check your eligibility...

Pell Grant Qualifications

These are the guidelines for financial need that will determine whether or not you will get an award, and how much of an award you will get. There is a different FAFSA formula for each type of student looking for college financial aid. Income is not the only consideration, although it has always played a large role. What are the circumstances that can minimize its importance? Find out about your qualifications...

Pell Grant Amounts

A look at the actual numbers for the awards...What is the maximum amount? What is the minimum amount? What is the average amount that students will get in 2012-2013?

Also, what will these awards look in the future- how are the amounts going to change in the next couple of years? And a look at how these grants got to their present levels. See amounts...

Pell Grant Application

These are the important facts you need to know about how to apply for free grants (online), as well as tips to improve your chances for an award. There are links to help you find out your FAFSA deadline, to download a printable FAFSA application and of course one to the online FAFSA forms. Contact information for free assistance in filling out the application is also included. But actually filling out the form is not the hardest part- planning your finances in advance to get the best result, is. Read about the application...

Pell Grant Form

This page is a walk-through of the actual online application. The information required for each of its seven parts is detailed here, so that you know what to expect before you start. The 2012-2013 form is significantly different than earlier versions. The questions you are asked depend on your previous answers, so that this form is not actually the same for everyone.

But for anyone, it is the shortest, easiest FAFSA that has ever been required. Review the form...

Why Apply for Pell Grant?

This explains who should apply and why there really are no drawbacks to simply filling out the application. It explains when the best time to do it is and the page lists the different methods of how applicants can submit their information. Find out if you should apply...

Pell Grant Calculator

This calculator uses the latest 2010 formula (which stays mostly the same for 2012-2013) that the U.S. Department of Education uses to figure out awards. It takes into account all the changes that have been made this year. You can use it to check which amounts you might qualify for at different schools- provided you know your FAFSA EFC (expected family contribution), the expected cost of attendance (COA) and the enrollment status you intend to use. Use the calculator...

Pell Grant Requirements

After you get your award, you are expected to meet these standards so that your money is not reduced during the year and so that you can continue to get awards for each school year you have financial need. (You need to reapply every year for any federal money.) Find out how this program compares with other federal ones in its requirements. This is the one area in which no changes have been proposed yet, but its a good idea to become familiar with what you need to accomplish in advance, so there are no surprises. Learn the requirements...

Federal Pell Grant Eligibility...Two Awards in One Year

**This program is no longer in effect.** This is a fairly new development that allows you to collect up to double your award within the same school year. It can be especially useful for nontraditional students who have jobs or family obligations, and are hesitating about whether to go back to school. Once you've qualified for the basic award, see if you meet the requirements for a second one so that you can get your degree faster, without spending more money out-of-pocket. See the latest information about federal eligibility...

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Got a Question about Pell Grants?

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Other Questions

Click below to see other visitors' questions about Pell grants...

Must a student graduating from high school have to have a GPA of 2.0 to qualify for a Pell Grant in 2011?
I have been told that...

a new requirement beginning in the fall of 2011 is that a new incoming freshman must have graduated with a high school grade ...

Denial of disbursement
My school has not disbursed my Pell grant for this school year. My financial situation changed during this school year and my school performed a professional ...

Pell Grant and Veterans Benefits
When I filled out my FAFSA, for the Pell grant, I did not include my veteran education benefits. Every place I called, including both FAFSA and VA office,...

Can My Pell grant Be Reduced?
My GPA from first quarter was not too good. so it is now second quarter and all of my Pell grant financial aid had been processed, and everything was paid ...

Pell Grant Question
a Pell grant student is in the military do they claim Bah under housing section of FAFSA form for 2010-2011.

Answer:

Students are not supposed ...

Can my daughter still get a Pell grant, if I am behind on student loan payments? Not rated yet
I have an old student loan that I have gotten behind on payments. Will this make my child ineligible for Pell grant?
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ANSWER:...

My Pell Grant Renewal Was Denied Not rated yet
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I am actually asking about a friend who ...

Pell Grant...How do I write an appeal letter for financial aid? Not rated yet
After being deemed ineligible, due to unsatisfactory academic progress, I am trying to get financial aid (Pell grant) again for the Fall 2011. I had to ...

I have a daughter that is in college and recieves a pell grant can I also go back to school and get a pell grant when we live in the same home? Not rated yet
My daughter is starting college this August and was awarded a Pell grant. My question is if she lives with me and used my income to get the grant can I ...

How do independent students' EFC get calculated? Not rated yet
I got a waiver to be eligible as an independent student because my parents have abandoned me and not given me any financial assistance or a place to live ...

My pell grant (the second half for academic year 2010-2011) Not rated yet
The university I am currently attending received disbursement ($2,775.) of my Pell Grant June 21, 2011 and deposited $90. via EFT in my checking account ...

Am I entitled to a reund of the remainder of the Pell Grant ? Not rated yet
This spring semester I took 12 credits. I received 3 F's and a D. The $1650 TAP award and only $605 of my $2775 Pell Grant was used for tuition. The remaining ...

Is this school violating my student rights??? Not rated yet
I just started attending community college where I was enrolled 8 hrs for the summer. My charges were $1200. I originally qualified for $2775; I accepted ...

Don't most individuals qualify for a Pell grant? Not rated yet
The financial aid advisor at the school that my daughter wants to go to has told us that my daughter does not qualify for a Pell grant. Why not?
My ...

Federal Pell Grant, Not a Federal Loan? Not rated yet
Can you get a federal Pell grant and not be awarded to get a federal loan?

ANSWER:

This question could be taken a few different ways. Anyone who ...

Can pell grant money be used for a place to live in addition to school tuition? Not rated yet
My nephew got a Pell grant for school this next year. Besides paying for tuition, books, can the remainder be used for a place for him to live?

ANSWER ...

Can I Receive Two Pell Grants? Not rated yet
I started college online with a private school. (The Art Institute of Philadelphia) Due to health reasons I had to cancel. I finished one class and the ...

College Denied Pell Grant Not rated yet
Upon completion of a FAFSA, we were informed that we qualified for $1300 in Pell Grants. Upon registering at the community college, we were informed that ...

What do I do with a pell grant? Not rated yet
I already paid for my tuition this quarter, and I just now received notification that I am being awarded a Pell grant. What do I do with that money now ...

Summer Pell Grants Not rated yet
Are summer Pell grants being eliminated? My classes and degree really require the Pell grant to help me out to get out of school and on with my life. I ...

Why is My Pell Grant So High for 2011-2012, for My Second Year? Not rated yet
Can you explain why my Pell grant is so high for 2011-2012, my second year?

ANSWER:

While the maximum Pell grant amount has not changed from the ...

Pell grants for Online Classes? Not rated yet
Can a Pell grant be used for online classes?

ANSWER

Yes, Pell grants can be used for online classes. Actually, a higher percentage of the students ...

Is Pell Grant Offer Legitimate? Not rated yet
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Pell Grant Application- What information to include? Not rated yet
Do you put down social security benefits on application or is it optional?

ANSWER:

The Pell grant application (or FAFSA) form lists benefits that ...

Summer Pell Grant Guidelines? Not rated yet
I have 25 credits for the combined Fall and Spring terms. I have read that I am eligible for a full Summer Pell but my financial aid office says no, that ...

Pell Grant Eligibility with Military Benefits Not rated yet
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ANSWER:

Yes, Pell grants can be received along ...

Can a Pell grant be used to attend college in Canada? Not rated yet
Can a Pell grant be used to attend college in Canada?

If the school is eligible for any federal student aid, whether it is a U.S. school or an approved ...

FAFSA Pell grant question Not rated yet
On my son's FAFSA, it stated he was eligible for $5500.00 in Pell grants. Does he have to attend college full time, or can he take some classes this summer,...

Can I use the Pell grant at the school I want to attend? Not rated yet
I have the school i want to attend. So if I get approved for a Pell grant, can I use it at the school I wish to attend?

ANSWER:

As long as that ...

Pell Award Not rated yet
How can a college not award 2 Pells in 1 award year to use in summer?

ANSWER:

If a student does not meet the criteria for the second Pell grant award,...

Does my pell grant get mailed to me? Not rated yet
Does my pell grant get mailed to me?
My Pell grant is more than my tuition. Can I use the other money for supplies that I need for school?
Someone please ...

Can a Pell grant be awarded 2 times, for 2 different degrees? Not rated yet
Can a Pell grant be awarded for two different degrees?

ANSWER:

If a student has already achieved a B.A., a Pell grant cannot be given for another ...

Can you only receive the Pell Grant once a lifetime? Not rated yet
How many times can you receive the Pell Grant?

ANSWER:

You are allowed to receive nine awards, if your first one was received on or after July ...

Can a college refuse to give you an awarded Pell grant? Not rated yet
I was awarded a Pell Grant for the 2010/2011 school year. My college refuses to use it, stating that I have been in the court reporting program beyond ...

Pell grant...I am a displaced worker, I had to borrow money from my retirement account... Not rated yet
to make ends meet. Will my daughter still be able to receive the Pell Grant?

ANSWER:

Whether she immediately qualifies will depend on the family'...

Why is only one of my two children eligible for a Pell Grant? Not rated yet
I have twins who are entering their third year of college. For the previous two years only one of my children has been awarded a Pell Grant. After completing ...

I lost my Pell grant because i got severely ill and did not complete the semester. Can I reapply Not rated yet
About two years ago I had a Pell grant for several years. I lost it due to my GPA going under the guidelines because I became very ill.
Can I reapply ...

if my Pell grant exceeded my tuition, am I taxed on what is left? Not rated yet
My Pell grant exceeded my tuition. On what can I spend the excess? Do I have to report this excess on my income taxes?

Answer:

I'm not a tax professional,...

If I got approved for a Pell Grant at the end of last year, So I got Not rated yet
the first half of the 5500, I don't have to fill out a new app for the new year, if I'm supposed to get paid the second half of the money for this semester ...

What is Max Income for Pell Grant on married with 3 Dependents? Not rated yet
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I made $56, filed joint with 3 children,
lost my job and am on unemployment now, anyways.

Answer:

If ...

Taxes on Pell Grants? Not rated yet
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My husband and I have two children. We made a combined income of 77,290.00. I am currently attending graduate school.

Answer:

Financial eligibility ...

Pell Grants...Should I be eligible? Not rated yet
My husband and I have one child. We only made $25,000 combined, last year. Should I be eligible for a Pell grant?

Answer:

Based on what you ...

Can I receive a pell grant and a loan at the same time? Not rated yet
I'm at college, and I was awarded a Pell grant, I want to know if I can have the Pell grant and the loan at the same time.

Answer:

Yes, you can ...

Are Pell Grants Sent Directly to You? Not rated yet
... to use on any education resources you choose? Is the money sent to you or do you have to go through a school or be enrolled in one?

Answer:

The ...

A Pell Grant...What GPA Must You Maintain? Not rated yet
What GPA must you maintain to get a Pell Grant?

ANSWER:

The federal government does not set a specific GPA. This is one of the requirements ...

Besides the finances, what would not qualify you for the Federal Pell Grant? Not rated yet
What would not qualify you for the Federal Pell Grant, besides the finances?

ANSWER:

There are several things that would disqualify you:

If ...

Can you qualify for Pell grants even if you have defaulted on a state educational loan Not rated yet
I have state educational loan with federal money, I guess. I am in a default status, in Chapter 13, how can I get funding to go back to school to get out ...

Federal Pell Grants Highest Award? Not rated yet
What are the annual limits for federal Pell grants?

ANSWER:

Right now the highest award you can get is $5,550. That is for full-time study. For ...

Do I return my Pell Grant check? Not rated yet
I am currently enrolled in school but I am looking at academic disqualification. I received a Pell grant check in the mail today; am I able to keep it ...

Can I Get Pell Grants for another BA? Not rated yet
I got my first BA in English and I want to get another one in graphic design. I only used 4 years of Pell grants. Am I still eligible for this new degree ...

Are Pell Grants taxable? Not rated yet
I am going to get the maximum Pell grants award. Do I have to pay taxes on any or all of it, or are federal Pell awards tax-free?

ANSWER: Some ...

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In this recession cycle, this program can be your key to education and retraining if you are an older student. If you are just coming out of high school, it can make the difference in what you decide to do with your life.

Pell grants make college possible for so many students in so many different situations. Even if you think its hopeless, apply anyway.

return from Pell grant to home

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Returning Pell Grant Funds

Did you know that if you receive a Pell grant and withdraw from school, you may have to return this "free" money?

Federal regulations require your school to calculate how much of your Pell grant award you earned by the date you withdraw. Only if you stay until the 60% (school calendar) date will you have earned 100% of your money. If you leave before that date, the amount of grant money you earned will be figured on a prorata basis.

The moral of course is to be very certain that you can stick it out, before accepting your financial aid award.

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