Pell Grant Flexibility Act

This bill makes it easier for some college students with disabilities to get full-time Federal Pell Grant aid, even if they take fewer classes. If a college decides a reduced course load is appropriate for a student with a disability, the student will be treated as a full-time student for Pell Grant amounts, as long as they take at least 5 credits (or the equivalent). This helps students who need a lighter schedule still get the financial help they need to stay in school.

It also says this “full-time” decision for a reduced course load won’t change how the student’s Pell Grant semesters are counted toward their overall eligibility limit. In short, students won’t lose their lifetime Pell eligibility faster just because they’re treated as full-time while taking fewer credits due to a disability.

Key points:

• Who is affected: College students with disabilities who need a reduced course load, as determined by their school.
• What changes: Taking a reduced course load of at least 5 credits can count as full-time for Pell Grant amounts; this does not speed up how quickly they use up their Pell semesters.