How to Get a Federal Pell Grant: The Steps and What You Need

You apply through your school's financial aid office, not directly to the federal government

The federal government does not accept Pell Grant applications. Instead, you submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the U.S. Department of Education, and your school's financial aid office uses that information to determine whether you meet the requirements and how much money you may receive. The school then disburses the grant to your account, usually by deducting it from your bill or sending you a refund if money remains after tuition and fees are paid.

You cannot apply for a Pell Grant in isolation. The FAFSA is the single form that opens the door to all federal student aid — grants, loans, and work-study. Submitting the FAFSA is the necessary first step, regardless of which type of aid you ultimately receive.

Key Takeaways

You must complete the FAFSA through fafsa.gov using your Social Security number and tax information; your school cannot do this for you.
Your school's financial aid office reviews your FAFSA results and tells you whether you meet Pell Grant requirements and what amount you may receive.
Pell Grants are limited to students pursuing a first bachelor's degree, enrolled at least half-time, and with a federal Expected Family Contribution below the annual cutoff.
The maximum Pell Grant amount changes each year; for the 2024–2025 award year it is $7,395, but this varies by enrollment status and other factors.
You must resubmit the FAFSA each year you want to receive a Pell Grant, even if your circumstances have not changed.

Complete the FAFSA on fafsa.gov

Go to fafsa.gov and create a login using your email address. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and driver's license number (or state ID). If you are under 24 and not independent, you will also need one parent's or guardian's Social Security number and tax information — specifically their adjusted gross income (AGI) from their most recent tax return.

The form asks about your income, assets, family size, and number of family members in college. Answer honestly. The Department of Education uses this information to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which determines your Pell Grant amount. If you have not filed taxes yet, you can use an estimate and correct it later through the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, which many schools now link directly into the FAFSA.

After you submit the FAFSA, you receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) showing your EFC and listing the schools you want to receive your information. Make sure your school is on that list. If it is not, you can add it through fafsa.gov.

Provide your school with any additional documents they request

Your school's financial aid office may ask for verification documents to confirm the information on your FAFSA. Common requests include a copy of your tax return, a W-2 form, or a statement of non-filing if you did not file taxes. They may also ask for proof of citizenship (a passport or birth certificate) or documentation of your enrollment status.

Schools select files for verification at random, or they may verify everyone. If your school requests verification, they will tell you which documents to submit and the deadline. Submit them promptly — your Pell Grant cannot be disbursed until verification is complete.

Meet the basic requirements to receive a Pell Grant

You must be a U.S. citizen or may be able to access noncitizen (which includes permanent residents and certain refugees). You must have a valid Social Security number and a high school diploma or equivalent (such as a GED). You cannot have a federal student loan in default, and you cannot owe a refund on a previous federal grant.

You must be enrolled at least half-time in a program leading to a first bachelor's degree. Pell Grants do not cover graduate degrees, second bachelor's degrees, or non-degree programs, with rare exceptions. Your school must be accredited by a recognized accrediting body and certified to participate in federal student aid programs.

Your Expected Family Contribution must fall below the annual Pell Grant may be able to access cutoff. This cutoff changes each year. For the 2024–2025 award year, students with an EFC of $6,000 or less may receive a Pell Grant, but this threshold varies. Your school's financial aid office will tell you whether you meet this requirement based on your FAFSA results.

Understand how much you may receive

The Pell Grant amount depends on your Expected Family Contribution, your enrollment status (full-time or part-time), and the cost of attendance at your school. The maximum Pell Grant for the 2024–2025 award year is $7,395 for a full-time student, but you may receive less if your EFC is higher or if you attend part-time.

Your school calculates your Pell Grant by subtracting your EFC from the maximum amount. If you attend part-time, the amount is reduced proportionally. If you change schools during the year, your grant may be split between institutions, and you may receive less at each one.

The Pell Grant amount is not may provide year to year. Congress sets the maximum each year, and it can increase or decrease. Your individual award may also change if your family's financial situation changes or if you change your enrollment status.

Resubmit the FAFSA each year

A Pell Grant is awarded for one academic year only. To receive a Pell Grant in the next year, you must submit a new FAFSA. The FAFSA for the 2025–2026 award year opens on October 1, 2024. Most schools recommend submitting by their priority deadline, which is usually in February or March, though you can submit later if funds remain available.

If your circumstances change — your income drops, your family size changes, or you change schools — your Pell Grant amount may change. Submit your FAFSA as early as possible each year to ensure your school has time to process it and disburse your grant on schedule.

Know when your grant will be disbursed

Once your school confirms you meet the requirements and verification is complete, they disburse your Pell Grant. Timing varies by school. Some disburse at the start of each semester, others at the start of the academic year. Most schools apply the grant to your tuition and fees first, then send you any remaining balance as a refund, usually by check or direct deposit.

If you withdraw from school before the end of the term, your school may be required to return a portion of your Pell Grant to the federal government. The amount returned depends on how far into the term you were enrolled. Ask your school's financial aid office about their refund policy before you withdraw.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You cannot receive a Pell Grant without a valid Social Security number. If you are an may be able to access noncitizen, you must have a Social Security number to complete the FAFSA. If you do not have one, contact your school's financial aid office to learn about other aid options that may be available to you.

Can I get a Pell Grant if I am pursuing a second bachelor's degree?

No. Pell Grants are limited to students pursuing a first bachelor's degree. If you already have a bachelor's degree, you are not may be able to access for a Pell Grant, even if you are returning to school for a different field. You may be may be able to access for federal loans or other aid; ask your school's financial aid office.

What happens if I do not submit the FAFSA by my school's deadline?

Your school may not have time to process your FAFSA and disburse your grant before the semester starts. You may receive your grant later in the term or in the next term. Some schools have limited funds and award them on a first-come, first-served basis, so late submission may reduce your amount or disqualify you. Submit as early as possible.

Can I use a Pell Grant to pay for books and living expenses?

Yes. After your school deducts tuition and fees, any remaining Pell Grant money is yours to use for books, supplies, housing, food, and other education-related costs. Your school will send you the refund by check or direct deposit, usually within a few weeks of the start of the term.

Do I have to repay a Pell Grant?

No. A Pell Grant is a gift and does not have to be repaid, unlike a federal loan. However, if you withdraw from school or do not meet satisfactory academic progress, your school may ask you to return part or all of the grant.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.