Why did I not receive a Pell Grant on my financial need for 2008-2009?

Question

I kmow financial aid is based on the "financial need" of the person applying, but is misleading in every aspect because it's distribution of aid is poorly planned out. Just because families of students who work to provide themselves to be financially "safe" — even those who fit the maximum salary standards set by the program — may not receive Pell Grants or, even if they do receive grants, will not receive the full possible amount.

Federal budget legislation passed in early 2006 cut the federal financial aid budget by $12.5 billion.

Why the h**l didn't I received any for 2008-2009?

Answer 1

I guess I have been out of school too long...

What in the world is a pell grant?

I don't have a clue...

Guess what, if you really want to go to college, do what I did, pay for it yourself...

Why does everyone think they are entitled to a grant of some kind???

You know you will never pay it back...

This grant never guarantees you a job...

There is not even a reason to know you will learn anything...

Answer 2

If you didnt qualify for a Pell Grant you should try and appeal the decision. I actually appealed for a special circumstances about 2 months ago. They reconsidered it and I qualified for the grant and had the money deposited into my account in about 2 weeks. There is no harm in trying.

Answer 3

You did not receive any Pell Grant for the school year because of the amount of income that you earned - you made too much money.

Answer 4

If you need financial help, you don't belong in college...

If you didn't learn in high school that the world runs on the almighty dollar, when exactly will you learn?

Answer 5

It is possible that you made an error when you filled out your fafsa. You should check out the numbers you put in to make sure. It happens to people all the time. You can do this if you have your pin number, if you don't just talk to your financial aid office.

Answer 6

Pell Grants are disbursed based on need.  The numbers provided from income tax information (yours and your parents, I'm assuming) are used to determine your expected family contribution (EFC).  The higher the EFC, the less likely a person is to get a Pell Grant.

Monies for Pell Grants do not come from an unending source.  The later you apply for FAFSA, the less chance you have of seeing that funding available.  It is a first come first serve basis.

If your family truly has a financial need; a parent lost a job, etc....you can petition your financial aid director for a professional judgment.  

FAFSA doesn't have any place to show if a person has been out of work for say, the last six months, which would dramatically alter a students financial aid standing.

Since you haven't shared much information that's about the best I can offer.  I understand you're upset, but unfortunately, you're not the only one out there in this situation.  People may 'look good on paper' but the reality of life is that people are struggling.

Good Luck to you.

Answer 7

You need to fill out the FASFA as soon as possible to receive any federal student aid. I would also talk to the financial aid office at your school.

I am not going to get into what is fair or not. As far as I am concerned, all "public" universities should be free for US citizens. Private schools can do anything they want, since they are private.

Answer 8

Pell Grant is meant for the poorest of families.  Most schools offer other need based aid for middle income students/families.  Call your school and ask them to consider you for grants/scholarships.  If they say they did.......ask them to reconsider.  Most schools have an appeal process