Getting Single Mothers to Higher Education with Federal Grants
July 30th, 2009
Do not let the rigors of being a single mother stop you from wanting to improve yourself by finishing your college degree. The financial difficulties that single mothers might be experiencing could successfully be hurdled by anyone who is intellectually capable of successfully earning a college degree. There are federal monies for single mothers available if you need it.
If you are committed to getting your college degree and being able to do more than adequately provide for your family, the government has financial aid facilities that will support you in your achievement of your goals. One of those tools is a grant for single mothers. You simply have to visit your university’s financial aid office or go to government financial aid websites in order to find out more about these government grants for single mothers. You can successfully get enough funding for your college education through these government grants for single mothers and yet, you do not have to pay any amount of money back. Now, that’s a free ticket to the realization of your dreams! There are a few different types of monies for college for single moms to choose from.
Your first option would be the Federal Pell Grant Program. Other government grants for single mothers actually require an application for the Federal Pell Grant Program as a pre-requisite. Those who meet eligibility requirements for this government financial aid instrument are given grant money. When you qualify for the Federal Pell Grant Program, you will receive financial aid money determined based on certain parameters including the availability of program funds and your financial need. Other government grants for single mothers could be applied for even if you have already been given a Federal Pell grant.
The approval decision on your application for additional grant money as well as the determination of the amount of addtional grant you will receive will depend on your actual financial need that has to be met to ensure your completion of college studies. Two of your other sources for additional government grants for single mothers are the campus-based programs Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and Federal Work-Study).
To apply for the Federal Pell Grant Program and other government grants for single mothers, you have to fill out and file the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The FAFSA form can be downloaded from the Internet or you can make a request for a FAFSA paper copy to be mailed to you. Paper FAFSA forms should be physically submitted along with the required documents to be processed. There is a long turnaround time in FAFSA applications processing.
It is recommended that you file your FAFSA applications at the soonest possible time. Before you file your FAFSA, you have to register with the US Department of Education where you can get your personal identification number for use in your FAFSA application. This PIN will be used every year when you apply for succeeding government grants for single mothers. Make sure that you are guided accordingly as far as your university’s deadlines for filing your FAFSA for both the Federal Pell Grant Program and campus-based government grants for single mothers.