Pell Grant rules would expand for students with disabilities taking reduced course loads

What does this do?

This bill changes how Pell Grant amounts are calculated for students with disabilities who take fewer classes than a full-time load. If a school officially approves a reduced schedule because of a student's disability, and the student takes at least 5 credit hours, they would receive the same grant amount as a full-time student. This rule only affects how much money a student gets each semester, not the total number of semesters they can receive Pell Grants in their lifetime.

Who does it affect?

This affects low-income college students who have a qualifying disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and whose school has approved them to take a lighter course load. It also affects colleges and universities, which would be responsible for making those official determinations.

Why does it matter?

Without this change, students with disabilities who take fewer classes receive a smaller Pell Grant than full-time students. This bill would make their per-semester amount the same as a full-time student's, as long as the school has approved their reduced schedule.

Where does it stand?