Completing The Federal PELL Grant
Most of the available financial assistance involves the eligibility of The Federal PELL Grant, a government-sponsored program. This program is included under Title IV Federal Assistance.
The 'Free Application for Federal Student Aid' (FAFSA) Booklet is a step-by-step guide to completing the application accurately. It is generally a self-explanatory process, but there are several common errors that you can avoid by contacting Erwin's Financial Aid Office at 813.231.1908. Applications are available at The Erwin Center during regular business hours and at most community colleges, universities and high schools.
It is important that you insert Erwin's school code, 005594, on question #90 of the application.
There are three ways to apply for The Federal PELL Grant:
- Erwin Financial Aid Counselors are available to assist with the application process when you provide the required documents (refer to the Financial Aid - Required Document Checklist below).
- You can complete and submit the application yourself.
- You can complete and submit the online application at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov .If you file electronically, be sure to print, sign and mail the signature certification page.
Once your FAFSA is submitted by mail or electronically, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that determines the level of financial aid for which you qualify. Our office receives electronic notification of your eligibility and the Instituional Student Information Report (ISIR) from the Federal Government. We then send you a letter with instructions on how to complete our financial aid process. Erwin Technical Center should receive notification of your eligibility in approximately 10 to 14 business days.
You will receive a letter from Erwin Financial Aid instructing you to return to our office (Room 159) and finalize your paperwork on your registration date. You must bring all documents used to complete your application. You are not approved until all steps have been completed. The student is responsible for all start-up fees, books, and supplies needed to begin the program. If you are awarded the Federal Pell Grant above and beyond the amount of tuition, you will receive the balance the last day of each term.
Please note that a new FAFSA must be completed for each new school year.
2007-08 Financial Aid - Required Document Checklist
To apply for Federal Financial Aid, several income and family questions must be answered to determine your eligibility level. The information listed below is designed to assist you with completing your FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA).
Erwin's counselors can assist you after certain items are documented or obtained. You will need to produce the same information whether you use our counselors' assistance or complete the form on your own.
SKIP SECTION A AND GO DIRECTLY TO SECTION B IF YOU ARE:
- Married OR
- 24 years old or older OR
- Supporting dependents OR
- A veteran
SECTION A - COMPLETE IF YOU:
- Are less than 24 years old OR
- Do not support children of your own OR
- Are not married OR
- Are not a veteran
SECTION A - PLEASE BRING:
1. A signed, dated copy of your 2006 tax form and your parent's tax form (the 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ). If you do not have a copy, it can be obtained by calling the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1.800.829.3676. The local IRS office is located at 3848 W. Columbus Drive.
a. If your parents are divorced, obtain the tax information from the last parent with whom you last lived.
b. If the parent with whom you last lived is remarried, the joint return including the step parent's income is required.
2. Copies of your parent's W2 forms or 1099 forms.
3. Copies of your parents' Child Support information from 2006 (court orders with payment information, HRS documentation or check stubs), if applicable.
4. Proof of family Social Security or SSI payments from 2006, if applicable.
5. Proof of total family AFDC payments from 2006, if applicable.
6. Proof of any other taxed or untaxed income received by you or your parents in 2006.
SECTION B - COMPLETE IF YOU ARE:
- Married OR
- 24 years old or older OR
- Supporting dependents OR
- A veteran
SECTION B - PLEASE BRING:
1. All of the above documents required in Section A (#1-6 without parent information) for you and your spouse, if applicable.
2. If you are divorced, single, or separated, spouse information is not required. Proof of divorce or separation should be available.
3. If you are living with your parents and are paying rent, a rent receipt or signed statement from the parent detailing the amount and frequency of payments is required.
Please Note: In certain cases, additional documentation, such as social security cards and immigration information, may be required.