Pell Grant Lifetime Maximum Set to 600%

April 10, 2012

In December 2011, President Obama signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112-74). This law has significantly impacted the Federal Pell Grant Program.

Beginning Fall 2012, students are now limited to 12 semesters (or 600%) of Pell Grant eligibility during their lifetime. This change affects all students regardless of when or where they received their first Pell Grant. Students that are currently receiving the Federal Pell Grant in the academic year 2011-2012 and have already used 600% of their Pell Grant eligibility will no longer be eligible to receive a Pell Grant starting Fall 2012.

In mid-April, USDOE will begin sending email messages to all 2012-2013 FAFSA applicants who appear to be Pell Grant eligible and who have COD System reported Pell Grant disbursements that are in excess of 450 percent of their Pell Grant lifetime eligibility. This process will be repeated weekly until July for FAFSA filers and for filers making corrections to their FAFSA information.

We also have created a notification that will be sent to students that are at or near the 600% that will be automated soon.