I was inspired to write this post when I learned about legislation signed by President Obama that gives "special consideration" to unemployed individuals for financial aid, more specifically, PELL Grants. PELL Grants are need-based grants usually awarded to low-income individuals to aid them in pursuing post-secondary education; these grants cover up to $5,350 in education and training expenses. Even better, they are accepted at nearly all universities and community colleges, as well as, many trade and technical schools. YEESSSSSSS!!! You may dance around your bedroom now or just wiggle in your chair.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA are based on information that you provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Namely, your income, assets, dependence or independence, household income after expenses and assets, and whether or not you have a dependent. Don't despair if you do not qualify for the PELL Grant. There's a ton more financial aid out there for you to grab.
Check out the following sites or call the numbers below before enrolling in any educational or training programs. Also, you should contact the institution in which you would like to enroll and confirm that they honor the form of financial aid that you receive (again, PELL Grant or otherwise):
- Department of Education and Labor's site with information that will help you learn about financial aid applications and help you to find the appropriate educational/training program for you: opportunity.gov
- Frequently asked questions regarding financial aid and eligibility: www.fafsa.ed.gov or call 1-800-4fedaid (1-800-433-3243) or visit your state's website.
- Find the right college/training institution for you: http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
- Call the institution(s) of your choice and inquire whether it is a Title IV eligible institution (meaning that it is qualified under the Higher Education Act as eligible to receive PELL Grants). If so, ask the financial aid officer whether you're eligible for a PELL Grant under the special rules for workers receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits.
- Contact your One-Stop Career Center to ensure that you will continue to receive Unemployment Insurance benefits while enrolled in an educational/training program. Note, not all of these programs will excuse you from seeking gainful employment while enrolled in order to continue receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits. One-Stop Career Centers will help you: apply for PELL Grants and financial aid, find training or educational programs, etc.
Well, here are my two gifts, besides this entry, scholarship sites:
http://www.scholarships.com/
www.fastweb.com
Also always check out scholarships at the institution you intend to attend.
Finally, remember that while education may be expensive, foregoing it is a far greater tax on your life or immediate finances than taking out a loan or the time required to search and compile formidable scholarship applications and interview prep. I believe that one can be successful without an education, however, I STRONGLY believe that one is much more likely to be successful WITH an education.
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