<p>Sorry if this is a dumb question. I took my first community college classes back in 2006. I took a few classes from 2006-2007 then left for several years and am just returning this year. So on paper it looks like I "started pursuing a degree" six years ago, although the more nuanced version is I took like four classes as a philosophy major, left for 5 years and have now returned to school as a physics major in 2012. I wonder if the new six year rule for the Pell Grant will affect me. </p>
<p>I have never actually received a Pell Grant. When I was in school 2006-2007 I only used the BOG Fee Waiver. I never filled out a FAFSA or received federal financial aid of any kind. Just the Free Waiver, which I applied for through my school. I paid for my books and stuff myself. </p>
<p>Does the six year limit apply only to people who have been <em>receiving</em> the grant for several years, or does it apply to everyone who has been in school that long, even if they've never received federal aid before? Can I explain my 5 year gap in school?</p>
<p>I thought that the 12 semesters meant the total time you were actually ENROLLED in college AND receiving the PELL Grant, but I haven’t looked at it closely. If you did not receive a PELL Grant during the time that you were enrolled, I would think that you are still entitled to at least 12 semesters of PELL Grant payments.</p>
<p>Until last summer, I worked in financial aid, so I can verify: The way that Pell works is that ED started keeping tabs on Pell usage beginning in 08-09 (nothing earlier counts against you). It isn’t really years or even semesters … it is % used. Assuming 12 semesters of Pell are allowed, that is 600% of scheduled awards. Every year, you are eligible for a particular amount … let’s say $4500 … and that is “100%.” If you are part-time, you might only use $2250, or 50%, of your award that year. You are still eligible for another 550% in the future. You can see the distinction, because you will have more than 6 years in which to use 600% in this case.</p>