My husband and I have been unemployed since January. We both went back to school and qualified for Pell. Our unemployment ran out, 16 weeks. Since then, we have filed for Pell again for fall semester, but had to do “hardship” since neither of us could get jobs and had no income. we have since been awarded full Pell for the fall. My husband just found a good job, I am still unemployed. We both still plan on going back in a couple of weeks. My question is can be both still collect the Pell checks without being penalized or feeling guilty? We could use the money to play catch up, like utilities.
Thank you
edited:
Humm can you clarify? Your Pell eligibility is based on FAFSA so your Jan aid I the fall2014 - spring 2015) should have been from 2014 FAFSA based on 2013 data, then fall 2015-spring 2016 aid is based on 2014 data. Are you saying because you were unemployed the aid officer set aside your FAFSA numbers last Jan?
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So when you say you filed again are you saying you filed for fall using your 2015 FAFSA and based on your 2014 income/asset?
If you use Pell for past due utilities/other bills, how will you pay for tuition and fees, and books?
Your FAFSA is based on the day you file. You’re not required to re-file if your situation changes. No need to feel guilty, you’re not breaking any rules. However, your new income must be reported in next year’s FAFSA.
Your pell will be automatically credited to your tuition + fees bill. You’ll only get a refund if there’s money left over…Just use your new income to pay for household bills?