If you’re a student looking to apply to universities this year, or the following year, it’s important that you fill out the FAFSA form. This stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and it’s a great and almost necessary option for those looking to get some financial aid for the duration of their college years.

A Pell Grant on the other end is slightly different. This is a kind of federal loan that is provided to students.

However, what sets it apart is that the student/recipients aren’t required by law to actually repay any of the amount they recieve.

You must be thinking, well, what’s the catch? But there really is no catch. The recipient need to only qualify for the grant, and stay enrolled in college for the duration of the grant. So, now that you know what it is, let’s see how you can go about creating the Pell Grant application.

The FAFSA
To be eligible for any kind of financial aid, either from the institution or from the government, this is your go-to form. It is an absolute must and there are no two ways about it. When you fill out the FAFSA form, you’re automatically eligible for the Pell Grant.

Another good news is that when you fill out the FAFSA, you’re eligible for not only the Pell Grant, but all other kinds of financial aid offered by the government that you may qualify for.

Filling out the FAFSA form is also completely free of cost. Essentially, you as the student have nothing to lose and much to gain when you fill out and submit a FAFSA. This application needs to be renewed every year. Being eligible for a Pell Grant in one year, does not ensure the grant for all years of your education.

The FAFSA deadline changes from state to state; but generally falls in the month of June toward the end. So make sure the form is submitted before the deadline.

As with any funding, the sooner you apply the more likely you are to get the amount of funds that make a significant difference. The Pell Grant especially runs out very soon, so don’t wait around for the deadline to motivate you into filling the form. Make your Pell Grant application fast.

FAFSA details
The Pell Grant application/FAFSA form requires the following details. These details might differ if you are not a US citizen. Make sure you have them all at hand when you sit down to fill the form. Schools use these details to put together financial aid for you, and the Pell Grant is awarded accordingly.

• Social Security Number
• Federal Tax Returns (any other record of income)
• Investment history and bank account statements
• Any record of untaxed income (if applicable)

Keep these details at hand and you’ll find it easy to finish and submit your application on time.