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Tips for Getting Financial Aid During the Pandemic


The Covid 19 pandemic has affected employment status and finances for millions of people all across the United States. For families and individuals looking to start a college education in 2021, financial aid rewards may mean the difference between advanced education and even more serious economic problems. These tips for boosting the amount of financial aid you get could make your collegiate dreams come true and improve your life for many years to come.

FAFSA Still Comes First

All students who need financial aid to attend college should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) documentation every year. This takes into account things like estimated family contribution, student income, existing debt, and many other factors that help determine how much you get in grants and loans from the federal government.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 injects billions of dollars into the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II. The CARES Act added $14 billion specifically for coronavirus aid and relief. Among other things for existing student loan holders, it also makes more grants available.

CSS Profile Comes Next
 
The College Scholarship Service (CSS) profile is another document all students should fill out to find money that does not need to be paid back in the future. Follow the specific rules and guidelines put forth by your college or university and make sure the information gets updated promptly if your financial situation changes.

The Appeals Process Matters

Due to the financial and logistical difficulties of Covid-19, advanced education enrollment has fallen for the last two years. This puts colleges at a disadvantage when it comes to withholding financial aid because fewer people will be able to attend overall. For students, the need for more enrollments may make it easier to get extra help.

Changes you should mention during the financial aid appeals process include: 
- Job loss due to the pandemic
- Salary or wage reduction or lost hours
- Dramatically increased childcare costs
- Large medical expenses

The first step is to update financial aid paperwork with current information. Contact your financial aid office directly to learn about the appeals process. Clearly state how much you can pay, the type of financial aid you need to attend the college, and whether other institutions gave more help to sway your decision.

It is practically impossible to know what the future will bring in terms of the pandemic, financial help from the government, or access to loans and scholarships from other sources. As Covid 19 spreads, the economy continues to struggle and employment becomes more questionable than ever before. Changes to family and personal income make a big difference when it comes to applying for financial aid for college.

Getting more financial aid during the pandemic may come down to something as simple as asking for it. While the traditional FAFSA and CSS methods still matter, working directly with the aid office at the college and filing appeals for initial decisions makes a lot of sense. Schools need more students and they may offer considerably more to keep them.