When getting ready to attend college the first thing you want to do is look into Federal Pell Grant eligibility. It is best to discuss this with your counselor so you can see if you are eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant.

The first thing you have to do is fill out a FAFSA. This form intends to gather some important information from you and make you agree to only use the money on your education. It will also require that you are not in default with any of your loans for school. These are in place so you can get a bachelor’s degree in the field you want to work in.

Federal Pell Grant eligibility will require you to do a few things. You will have to keep up with your grades and be passing your courses. If you are failing a course then you will not be able to avail this Grant. It is offered to students who make less than $20,000 yearly but, there are a few exceptions to this. It is required that you either graduated from high school or have obtained your GED. Your social security number must be current with any name changes you have done and must be a valid one. You must be a citizen of the United States or have permanent residency here.

If you do not reside permanently in the United States then you have to be able to attend college here legally. Once you meet the qualifications then you are ready to fill out the application for the Grant. The application can actually be filled out on line and it is free to submit. Whatever information you submit it will be matched with other Federal agencies.

Once you have the okay on the Federal Pell Grant eligibility your counselor will be notified if you are approved. If you get the approval then your counselor will be required to gather some documentation from you. You will have to show any taxes that you filed and any W-2 forms, mortgage loans and bank statements, and even records that you have if you own a business.

Since the whole process takes time to complete you want to start the process about three months before your classes start. This will give plenty of time to work out any errors that might occur. These Federal Pell Grants are in place for helping a student get through their schooling so make sure you see if you are eligible for them each year.