What Pell Grants for Single Moms Are Available?
Pell Grant for single moms is a federal government assistance program that helps single mothers to get their degrees by covering education costs. The best part of this program is that it does not have to be repaid.
Many single mothers live at or below the poverty level and struggle to meet living expenses, household expenses, and child’s expenses.
They are not left with enough money to pay for school and obtain gainful employment. In such cases, Pell Grants may be used as financial aid to pursue a degree that can help them earn more to live a better life.
Pell Grants for Single Moms – What is it?
With skyrocketing college expenses, one major concern for single mothers is to pay for higher education. Not surprisingly, the burden is heaviest on single moms with lower incomes.
The Pell Grants for single moms are America’s best source of financial aid provided by the federal government. It is an entitlement program that offers up to $6,345 to any student with financial need, regardless of income.
The great thing about the Pell Grant is that it places zero restrictions on the number of grants the students can apply for.
However, the Pell Grant is the foundation of the financial aid package onto which other aids are added.
Also, if there is any money left over from the Pell Grant award, one may use the refund to help out with expenses that have fallen behind while attending school.
There are certain restrictions to the amount of funding that one can receive for a Pell Grant. It may not cover your post-secondary tuition’s total expenses.
However, it covers a significant portion, depending on the type of school selected.
Some schools do not participate in federal aid programs. So be sure to check with the prospective school before taking the time to fill out an application.
Pell Grants for Single Moms – How it Works?
The maximum Pell Grant available is $6,345. When determining award limits and eligibility, single moms are evaluated like other students. If you are eligible for a Pell grant but only attend school part-time, you still may receive the amount equivalent to the number of hours attended.
There are roughly 5,400 post-secondary institutions throughout the United States that participate in the Federal Pell Grant Program. The eligibility comes down to the following major components:
- The expected family contribution (EFC)
- The enrolled school
- The cost of attendance for the school
- Enrollment status (degree program)
These components determine financial need, which determines if you qualify for a Pell Grant.
Pell Grants for Single Moms – How to Apply?
The Federal Pell Grant program can help single moms with the payment of higher education expenses.
To receive awards, they are required to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online.
The last date for filing the application form is June 30 each year. For any queries, you can also contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243.
After submitting the FAFSA form, a Student Aid Report is given that advises whether or not you are eligible for a Pell Grant. Students may be paid directly, or their student accounts may be credited with the Pell Grant funds, depending on how their institution regulates the grant.
It is recommended to complete the application once a school year. It allows continuing receiving aid with fewer out-of-pocket expenses.
Some Single Mothers Automatically Qualify for Zero EFC
The U.S. Department of Education implies a standard formula to evaluate FAFSA information. This formula produces a number called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which determines how much aid you’re eligible for.
It implies the lower your EFC, the more financial aid you’ll be awarded. Zero EFC is the best-case scenario to get maximum aid eligibility.
Some single mothers automatically get qualified for a 0 EFC score, where they are not expected to contribute anything to their education costs.
If you have a dependent and your household income is less than $25,000, you will receive an automatic zero EFC calculation.
It means that you will qualify for the maximum Pell Grant available based on your enrollment status, full-time or part-time.
Conclusion
Pell grants for single moms make it possible to earn a degree that otherwise is difficult to afford due to the rising cost of college.
Being a single mother does not assure that you will get a partial or full Pell Grant. However, filing as an independent student increases your chances of receiving these grants. So, apply today and reduce your education expenses.
I am a medical student who dedicated herself helping individuals and non profit organizations for finding medical grants for medical bills, medical treatment, medical education, research and medical equipment.
Follow us