FSA has published an update to its previous electronic announcement regarding changes to the Student Aid Index and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide for the upcoming academic year. The latest versions of both documents include renamed sections, new map input fields, additional tables, and clarifications to better define specific topics such as family size or EITC.
Read the full announcement below:
POSTED DATE: November 21, 2022
SUBJECT: 2024-25 Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide (Updated March 21, 2024)
Update on March 21: On March 21, 2024, we replaced the 2024-25 Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide with a new version that makes the following changes:
Determining Federal Pell Grant Eligibility Section – Step 2
- Removed 2nd bullet and placed under Pell Grant Flag
Step 1: Determine Maximum Pell Grant Eligibility Section
- Added additional clarification as well as where in document you can find how family size and single parent status are determined
Step 1: Determine Maximum Pell Grant Eligibility Section – SAI for Maximum Pell Grant Recipients
- Added clarification around when intermediate values are set and when not
Step 2: Calculate Student Aid Index Section
- Inserted new table to help with determining which SAI Formula Type needs to be used as well as clarification around rounding rules
Formula A, B, and C
- Clarified some worksheet labels for IRS distributions and Pensions
- Clarified some worksheet labels for contribution from assets
Supplementary Tables for Formula A, B, and C
- Added some clarification text around what to do if spouses file different returns
Federal Pell Grant Flag Section
- Made it its own section; added reference out to Dear Colleague Letter
Appendix A: Acronyms
- Clarified what EITC is used in calculation for single parent (Received During Tax Year)
Appendix C: Family Size
- Added clarification and FAQs related to how family size is calculated, hierarchy, etc.
Appendix D: Non-Tax Filer vs. Tax Filer
- Synched up with Section 5 – Edits
- Added some clarification text
Appendix E: Applicants or Contributors Required to Provide Assets
- Renamed section
- Synced up with Section 5 – Edits
Appendix G: Determining “Single Parent” Status Indicator as defined by FAFSA Simplification
- Renamed section
- Added sub header
- Expanded on which EITC to use
Appendix H: Determining Income Source Information
- Synced up with Section 5 – Edits
Appendix J: ISIR Input Field IDs Used in SAI Calculation
- Added new section to map input field IDs used in SAI calculation
SOURCE: 2024-25 Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide (Updated March 21, 2024)