DECATUR, Ala. — Students and parents listen up. New FAFSA rules are being implemented for the 2023 - 2024 school year. Our reporter Jasamine Byrd tells us more about how this could impact you.
The FAFSA Simplification Act has enacted a few changes that are going to impact students.
Calhoun Director of Student Financial Services Jannett Knight-Spencer said, they currently have an increase in payroll, which is the biggest factor, and that's usually what students like to hear. " We currently have Pells at 68,95. Next year, it has an increase of $500. so students with the lowest EFC will receive that 78, 95, she said. "
Knight - Spencer said most of the FAFSA Simplification was done to help low income students, " so it's going to be a big plus for the students that qualify for Pell. Of course, they will see an increase."
In addition, there are some changes that have occurred on the FAFSA for the 2023 - 2024 and 2024 - 2025 school year. " They've taken some of the questions off. in fact, the funds application is going to go from 106 questions that it currently shows to 36 questions that's going to be 24 - 25, she explained."
The reason for this change is to make it easier for parents and students to understand, Knight - Spencer said.
Male students also no longer have to answer selective service requirement questions, and the 2023 - 2024 school year has also reestablished Pell eligibility for incarcerated students. "So now our students and correctional facilities and prisons will be able to receive Pell grant, and that was taken away in 1994. but that has been reinstituted, she stated. "
The rationale for that, is educating all students in correctional facilities, help with the recidivism rate. All in all, Knight - Spencer said, " I would like to encourage all students and parents to please submit the FAFSA application for financial aid."