How to Get a Michigan Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants provide educational assistance to students pursuing their first undergraduate or professional degree. Students who have an undergraduate or professional degree no longer qualify for a Pell Grant unless the student enrolls in a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program. The U.S. Department of Education determines Federal Pell Grant eligibility. Michigan students wishing to apply for a Pell Grant must complete the appropriate application and meet federal financial aid guidelines. Eligibility depends on the student's financial need, education cost and enrollment status. The maximum award amount a Michigan student can receive is $5,500. Pell Grants do not require repayment.
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Instructions
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Gather financial documents such as tax returns, bank statements and records of unearned income such as Social Security disability, supplemental security income or child support, if applying as an independent student. Parents applying on behalf of dependent children also need the listed information along with the child's Social Security card. Independent students must supply a driver's license number, if applicable.
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Access the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid website to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. If you prefer to complete a paper application, request a copy from a high school guidance counselor or contact the U.S. Department of Education customer service line. Many Michigan colleges, university and vocational schools provide applications through the financial aid office.
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Provide your name, Social Security number, address and citizenship status. Double-check name spelling and Social Security numbers as the department matches your name with your Social Security. Any mistakes will result in a delay.
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Indicate marital status. Identify the type of degree you will pursue at the start of the academic year in which you receive the grant. Indicate active duty military or veteran status, if applicable. You must also list the number of dependents in your home in which you provide over half of their support. Dependent students must supply parent information, including income. Students of divorced and unmarried parents should list information for the parent they resided with for the 12-month period before the application date.
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Answer all financial questions to determine the Expected Family Contribution. Family size, assets, income and exemptions determine family contribution. The department gathers this information from student or parent tax returns, bank statements and other applicable financial information. You can retrieve tax data from the Internal Revenue Service and have it immediately input into the FAFSA, if applying online. To choose this option, you must apply for a PIN number through the U.S. Department of Education PIN website. Do not share your PIN with anyone. Do not leave any fields blank. Input a "0" if the financial information does not apply.
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Indicate number of college students in the home, provide the name of the Michigan University and indicate living arrangements while attending school. Sign and date the application. If you applied online, sign the application using your PIN number.
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Submit the application online. The school will receive your information within three days. Mail paper applications to the Federal Student Aid Program address listed on the first page of the application under "Mailing Your FAFSA."
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Tips & Warnings
Consult with a university financial aid officer or speak with a customer service representative at the U.S. Department of Education for assistance if you have questions.
