<p>The 2008-2009 year includes summer of 2009.
Let’s say a student goes back to school and starts in the summer of 2009. They take some classes but don’t know about FAFSA. They file and if qualified could get a Pell grant and/or a stafford loan to pay the bill.</p>
<p>and yes - aid is awarded retroactively occassionally. Sometimes a student doesn’t apply because they know they won’t qualify. But then their situation changes and they then apply - i.e. divorce of parents, they become independent etc.</p>