First off…I agree with others…this student IS independent for FAFSA financial aid purposes.
The Pell Grant is actually automatically awarded IF you qualify for it. It is federally funded and is an entitlement. It’s based on parent income for dependent students, and student income for independent students.
Everyone can take a federally funded Direct Loan. The eligibility is you file a fafsa…and you are eligible to get the Direct Loan. Only a portion can be subsidized. For the direct Loan…your income doesn’t matter. You do have to have demonstrated need for a subsidized portion.