Determining Eligibility for Federal Pell Grants

Eligibility for Federal Pell Grants is based on information you have submitted to your financial aid form. All your income and personal information along with that of your family (usually one or both parents) will determine how much financial aid you need.

There is what is called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) that is calculated by a certain established formula. This does not mean that your family is required to provide the EFC amount calculated, but it is a guideline used to determine how much financial aid you would receive.

As long as your EFC amount is below a certain number you should be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. This is true as long as you meet all other eligibility requirements.

The amount of Pell Grant you receive also is determined by other factors, such as the following:

• Cost of school attendance including tuition, room and board, books, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses
• Costs related to caring for a disability
• Costs for reasonable study abroad programs
• Enrollment status (full, three-quarter, half, or less than half time)
• Special circumstances such as unemployment or unusual medical expenses

Financial Need

There is a simple formula that is used to determine financial need. Of course one part of it is the EFC calculation. The other determining factor is the Federal Pell Grant Eligibility and aid from other sources.

This remaining amount left over is how much money you need. If you have any questions about this you can contact your school’s financial aid office.

Exclusions

One major exclusion-that is what can prevent someone from getting a Pell Grant-is being convicted of a sexual offense. A student who is required to participate in an involuntary civil commitment after being incarcerated for a sexual offense (either forcible or non-forcible) is in eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant.

Even if you are not eligible to receive federal financial aid, you might still be awarded grant money from private and/or state institutions. Furthermore, you may again be eligible for financial aid later on in the year.

Another major exclusion of people seeking financial aid would be if you have been convicted of a drug-related offense. This includes either the selling of drugs and of the using of drugs.

There are also cases when you may not be able to receive financial aid because you are not a U.S. citizen. There are some exceptions such as if you are a part of a study abroad program.

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