Missing Pell Grant in my kid's financial aid package but got state grant instead - should I contact the school?
Super confused about my daughter's financial aid package we just received. According to our SAI calculation on FAFSA, she was eligible for a $4800 Pell Grant but it's nowhere in the package from the school. Instead, there's an Indiana state grant that we didn't expect. I'm really confused - is this normal? Did the school make a mistake or does the Indiana grant replace the Pell somehow? Not sure if I should call the financial aid office to ask about the missing Pell Grant. Has anyone dealt with this before? I don't want to miss out on $4800 that could help with tuition!
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AstroAce
similar thing happened to me! the Pell was SUPPOSED to be there but then they gave my son some other scholarship insted. definatly call!! turns out there was a mistake with our info and we got both after they fixed it. dont wait!!
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Ethan Clark
•Oh wow - that's good to know! Did you talk directly with someone at the financial aid office? How long did it take them to fix it?
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Yuki Kobayashi
This is a situation that requires clarification from the financial aid office. Pell Grants and state grants are separate programs - one doesn't typically replace the other. If your FAFSA SAI confirms Pell Grant eligibility, it should be included in all aid packages regardless of state grants received. A few things that could be happening: 1. There might be a discrepancy between your FAFSA information and what the school has processed 2. The school might be waiting for verification of some information before awarding the Pell 3. There could simply be an administrative error in your aid package Definitely contact the financial aid office to inquire specifically about the missing Pell Grant. Bring your SAI calculation and have your FAFSA ID information ready when you call.
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Ethan Clark
•Thank you for the detailed explanation! I'll definitely call with my FAFSA ID and SAI calculation info ready. This makes me feel better that it might just be an error that can be fixed.
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Carmen Vega
Wait, are you sure the $4800 was Pell? Maybe it was estimated aid. The Indiana grant might actually be better for you depending on the amount. What's the total package look like compared to what you expected?
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Ethan Clark
•The total is about $2300 less than what I expected based on the FAFSA estimate. The Indiana grant is for $2500. The FAFSA portal definitely showed Pell Grant eligibility with the $4800 amount, so that's why I'm confused.
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Andre Rousseau
You need to call the financial aid office ASAP. I work in higher education and see this kind of confusion all the time. Pell Grants and state grants are completely separate funding sources. If your SAI calculation qualifies your daughter for a Pell Grant, she should receive it regardless of state aid eligibility. Some schools have ridiculously long wait times to reach financial aid advisors by phone. I've had great results using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to avoid those hour-long holds when dealing with financial aid offices. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ But however you do it, definitely call before aid packages are finalized. This sounds like an administrative error that needs correction.
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Ethan Clark
•Thank you! I just tried calling the financial aid office and was on hold for 30 minutes before I had to hang up for another appointment. I'll check out that service - never heard of it before but anything to avoid these hold times would be helpful.
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Zoe Stavros
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO CONFUSE US!!! I swear they do this on purpose so people just give up and don't get all the aid they deserve. My son's college pulled the same stunt - showed him getting one grant then switched it for something else worth less. We had to FIGHT to get everything straightened out. These financial aid offices are OVERWHELMED and make mistakes constantly!!
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Jamal Harris
•omg so true!! took us 3 months to fix my daughters aid package last year and by then she almost lost her housing assignment! ridiculous system
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GalaxyGlider
Have you checked if there are any verification requirements you need to complete? Sometimes they withhold Pell until all verification docs are submitted. My daughter's Pell didn't show up initially, then I realized we needed to submit additional tax verification docs. After that was done, the Pell appeared in her package within 2 weeks.
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Ethan Clark
•That's a good point - I didn't even think to check for verification requirements. I'll log into the portal and double-check if there's anything else we need to submit. Thanks for the suggestion!
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Carmen Vega
My nephew goes to Purdue and he got both Pell AND Indiana state grant. Definitely call because you should be getting both if you qualify!
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Yuki Kobayashi
After you speak with the financial aid office, make sure to get any corrections or updates in writing. Request an updated aid letter that clearly shows all components including the Pell Grant if you're eligible. This documentation will be important if there are any issues later in the disbursement process.
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Ethan Clark
•That's excellent advice. I'll definitely ask for an updated aid letter in writing after they make any changes. I managed to get through to financial aid this morning and you were right - it was an error! They're sending a corrected package that includes both the Pell Grant and the Indiana grant. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Ana Erdoğan
That's fantastic news! I'm so glad you were able to get through and get it resolved. It's great that you'll be receiving both grants - that makes a huge difference financially. Thanks for updating us on the outcome too - it's really helpful for other parents who might run into the same issue to know that persistence pays off and these errors can definitely be fixed!
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