As a result of the College Cost Reduction and Access Grant, the federal Pell Grant for 2008-09 is increasing from a maximum $4310 to $4731. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) cut-off is 4041, which means if the EFC listed on your Student Aid Report is 4041 or less, you qualify for the Pell Grant.
The Student Aid Report (SAR) usually tells you if you qualify, but the federal processor was not able to factor in the new rate soon enough to be reflected on FAFSAs already processed and SARs already issued. As a result, the federal processor will be reissuing Student Aid Reports to students and schools beginning January 28 for students who have an EFC that falls between the old cut-off and the new. You may receive a revised Student Aid Report where no information was changed, but you will now have the message that you are eligible for Pell Grant. If you're not sure why you're receiving a new SAR, be sure to read the paragraphs on the first page.
The other news is that Congress has set pre-determined increases in Pell Grant over the next five years. While an increase is nice, I can't completely call it good news because the increases won't keep up with the cost of your education. The following increases have been passed:
2009-10 still $4800
2010-11 $5,000
2011-12 still $5,000
2012-13 $5,400
These increases will happen, but let's wish for the new administration to support further funding to expand the Pell Grant program even more. I say that because we all know that nothing in Congress remains constant. Reauthorization, which is usually a complete review of the financial aid system, has been extended for several years with no final action taken. A new President and a new Congress could quickly change things. Let's just hope it's for the better.