FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid in USA, 2020-2021

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this benefit, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Have a valid Social Security Number (unless you are from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau)
• Register with Selective Service if you are a male and 18 to 25 years of age. Go to the Selective Service System website for more information
• Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate or pass an exam approved by the U.S. Department of Education
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program at a school that participates in the federal student aid programs
• Not have a drug conviction for an offense that occurred while you were receiving Federal student aid (such as grants, loans, or work-study)
• Other requirements may apply. Contact your school's financial aid office for more information

Offered Benefits

The maximum Federal Pell Grant Award (which is the main grant for college undergraduates through the FAFSA®) for the 2019-20 award year is $6,195. Schools may offer less than the full amount depending on the student's need or academic load.

Application Process

Many states and colleges set priority deadlines by which you must submit the FAFSA form to be considered for the aid programs they administer. There is also a federal deadline each academic year.

Select your state of legal residence and the school year for which you’re applying for federal student aid. Complete the form online. You use it to apply for Federal student financial aid, such as grants, loans, and work-study. In addition, most states and schools use information from the FAFSA to award non-federal aid.