Eligibility

• In order to receive a Pell Grant you must be attending or intend to enroll in a postsecondary school. You must be a U.S. citizen with a valid Social Security number and have a high school diploma, GED, or be able to pass an ability-to-benefit test. Some colleges and universities administer this test to homeschool students in lieu of a diploma. Some homeschool programs, however, will issue diplomas, or you may take the test for a GED. The regulations for Pell Grants specifically list completion of a homeschool program, as approved by your state, as acceptable for qualifying for a Pell Grant. To receive a grant you must also demonstrate financial need.
  
  

Determining Financial Need

• When you apply for financial aid, the United States Department of Education uses a formula to compute your Expected Family Contribution, or EFC. This is the amount your family could be expected to contribute toward your education. The lower this amount, the greater your need and the greater your potential grant. The formula takes into account such factors as your family's net income, family size and cost of living in the area you live. If you're independent from your family and they aren't providing you support, the application looks at your income and expenses.
  
  

Application

• In order to receive a Pell Grant, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Once you complete the application, the Department of Education will inform you of your EFC. You may complete the application independently, or as part of your school's application. If you apply through your school, it will present you with a financial aid package, which will include the Pell Grant amount, and other financial aid the school may offer.
  
  

How Grants Work

• If you receive a Pell Grant, the money is sent to the school in which you're enrolled. The school can apply this money toward your tuition, issue you a check, or a combination of the two. If the school pays you a check to use toward expenses such as living, they must pay you at least once per semester. A grant is good for one year so you must reapply each year you need financial assistance. You can use Pell Grants in conjunction with other financial aid, such as scholarships and work-study jobs at school.