Federal Pell Grant
This program offers federal grant money from the U.S. Department of Education to students who qualify. Students may apply for the Pell Grant by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) either on a paper application or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper applications are available in the Registrar’s Office in Building 1. The student must give income and asset information to assist the U.S. Department of Education in determining eligibility. A determination should be made within a few weeks, and the student must see the financial aid counselor to discuss eligibility. Determination of the grant amount will be based on the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC), cost of attendance, and class schedule. The deadline to turn in paperwork for this program is April 28, 2007.

Before receiving any Pell Grant funding, a student must have a high school diploma, or a GED, or pass an Ability to Benefit test. Haney Technical Center uses the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test. Any student who needs this test must see the Financial Aid Counselor to get information regarding the cost of the test and available test dates.

Students who are eligible for Pell Grant funding must be enrolled in a program of study at least 600 clock hours and at least 30 weeks of instruction in order to receive these funds. Each program is divided into payment periods according to the length of the program. Students are paid Pell Grant funds as they progress through each payment period. Students must maintain satisfactory attendance, grades and progress before receiving Pell Grant funds during a payment period. If this requirement is not met, the student will be paid for that payment period and placed on academic probation for the next period. If satisfactory progress is not made while on probation, the student will not receive payment for that period or future periods until the status is satisfactory. Student progress will be monitored each term.

Once a student has met the requirements, a Pell Grant check will be issued in the Registrar’s Office. The student must show picture identification and sign to receive the check. These funds can assist students in paying tuition, books, and other school-related expenses.

The student is responsible for notifying the financial aid office of any increase or decrease in attendance hours, withdrawal from class, vocational changes from one program to another, and any change in address or phone number.

If a student withdraws from a program, the financial aid counselor will determine if the student is due a payment and will notify the student in writing. The student will have 14 days to respond in order to receive the payment.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
  1. Apply for a PIN number at www.pin.ed.gov. A dependent student must apply for a PIN number for their parent(s) also.
  2. The student, spouse, and/or parent(s) of a dependent student should complete and submit a FAFSA or renewal application. The FAFSA application is available in the Registrar’s Office or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You will need your previous year’s income tax return to complete the application. (NOTE: You should not be charged a fee to fill out the application. The U.S. Department of Education does not charge fees. Avoid websites that charge you a fee to submit your FAFSA).
  3. Shortly after you file your FAFSA, the U.S. Department of Education will send you a SAR. The SAR will identify any errors or omissions that could delay processing of your financial aid.
  4. Central Processing System electronically transmits the results to the school on a document called the Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR).
  5. The student should call the Financial Aid Office after 5 days to see if the ISIR was electronically received. It is the student’s responsibility to provide all necessary documentation needed to verify the application data or resolve conflicting information.
  6. The Financial Aid Counselor establishes the student’s Cost of Attendance (COA), determines the need, student’s eligibility, and then awards the funding according to the federal guidelines.
  7. The student receives an award letter.
  8. Checks are available to students in the Registrar’s Office during normal business hours. A picture ID is needed. Disbursements of awarded funds are made twice monthly so check your award letter for your specific award dates.
FAFSA Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I apply for financial aid?
A: The student, and/or parents of a dependent student submit a FAFSA application (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to the application processor, or on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
   
Q: Who is eligible for aid?
A: Eligibility requirements for most financial programs are that you must:
1. be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident alien
2. be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at least half-time in a program
3. make satisfactory academic progress toward a certificate of completion
4. register with the Selective Service Administration, if required
5. not be in default on a federal or institutional loan or owe a repayment on a previous financial aid award received at Haney or other institutions.
   
Q: How long does the process take?
A: If you mail your FAFSA to the processing center, it normally takes about four to six weeks to process your application. If you apply online, processed applications are available in 5-7 days. You should apply as early as possible. If you apply online, be sure to complete your application with an electronic signature and PIN number. Apply for your PIN at www.pin.ed.gov. The School Code for Haney Technical Center is 010826.
   
Q: How will I know how much aid I qualify for?
A: Contact the Financial Aid Office to complete your Financial Aid file. Upon completion of your file you will be given an award letter stating the type of aid, amount and conditions of your award.
   
Q: Do I have to pay my tuition up front?
A: Yes, because Haney Technical Center is a clock-hour school, Pell disbursements are based on attendance hours. For most programs, you must reach 60% of a 180 hour payment period before you receive a Pell disbursement.
   
Q: Does Haney Technical Center offer student loans?
A: No, but you can apply for student loans through other companies to attend Haney. Sallie Mae offers a tuition assistance loan and Sun Trust Bank offers an e-career loan.
   
Q: If my tuition is deferred, what will happen with my financial aid?
A: The Financial Aid Office will deduct any tuition fees you owe the school and give you the balance.
   
Q: What happens if I don’t do well in my classes?
A: Financial Aid regulations require that you make satisfactory academic progress. Generally, you must maintain a ‘C’ average, successfully complete your classes, and maintain attendance in accordance with Federal Regulations. If you do not, you may be place on probation or denied future assistance.
   
Q: How can I get information about my award?
A: You can come to the Financial Aid Office located on the 1st floor of the Administration Building. Due to the Privacy Act, only general information can be given over the phone.
   
Q: My award is based on last year’s income. My income and/or my parents’ income have changed. What should I do?
A: Submit a request for professional judgment to our office. You will be asked to submit written documentation of the change. After a review, you may be awarded additional assistance.
   
Q: What is the difference between an independent and dependent student?
A: The U.S. Department of Education has established criteria for classifying financial aid applicants as dependent or independent. If you checked ‘yes’ to any item in Step Three on the FAFSA, you are considered independent for financial aid purposes. Your need is evaluated on your own and your spouse’s income and assets if applicable. If you are classified as dependent, your parents’ assets and income and your own are considered when determined your need.
   
Q: The financial aid application asks for information about my parents but I do not receive any support from them. What should I do?
A: Federal regulations require your eligibility to be based on your income and that of your parents unless you are 24 years old; married, or have legal dependents other than a spouse; are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces; an orphan or ward of the court (or you were until age 18); or will be working on a degree beyond a bachelor’s degree. If you think that you have exceptional circumstances, contact the Financial Aid Counselor about a possible dependency override.
   
Q: What does it means if I am selected for verification?
A: About 30% of students’ financial aid applications nationwide are chosen for verification, which is a process of confirming data supplied by the applicant and/or parent(s). If your application is selected for verification, you will be notified of what documents to provide. If your application is selected, funds cannot be disbursed to you until you have submitted all requested documents and the accuracy of your information has been checked.
   
Q: When is someone available in the Financial Aid Office to meet with me?
A: The Financial Aid Counselor is available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:15 a.m. until 2:45 p.m. and Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
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