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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep. Ron Buxton |
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Buxton reminds students, families of FAFSA deadline
HARRISBURG, April 21 – With the deadline to apply for financial aid in Pennsylvania fast approaching, state Rep. Ron Buxton, D-Dauphin, is reminding students and families in Dauphin County to fill out their 2008-09 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly known as FAFSA, before May 1.
The FAFSA is used to determine if students qualify for almost all forms of need-based financial aid, including the Pennsylvania State Grant, federal Pell Grant, many scholarships and institutional awards, and low-cost student loans. The deadline for submitting a FAFSA to determine eligibility for a Pennsylvania State Grant is May 1.
"Many students and families are unaware of just how important submitting a FAFSA application is in securing state funding for college and often miss out on great financial aid opportunities, like the State Grant program," Buxton said. "Students who qualify for the State Grant program can receive up to $4,500 in aid. Every year, unfortunately, some students who are otherwise eligible miss out on the grant because they miss the deadline."
It takes about one month to receive funding notification from the federal government after filing a paper FAFSA, and one week after filing an electronic Student Aid Report. These forms are used to determine the amount of financial aid granted to a student. Tax information will need to be provided on the form.
Buxton said the majority of FAFSA applications are now filled out online. The U.S. Department of Education will only send paper FAFSAs to people who personally request a paper copy by calling 1-800-443-3243.
An electronic version of the FAFSA application is available at www.pheaa.org/fafsa or www.fafsa.ed.gov. Buxton said there is no cost for the FAFSA application and citizens should be wary of any site requesting payment to complete or submit the form.
"Students should be exhaustive in their search for financial assistance before applying for a loan," Buxton added. "Before putting yourself into debt, see what the state of Pennsylvania has to offer. And even if a loan is a must, there are low-cost federal student loans to tap into and other ways Uncle Sam can help. Check those out before applying for others."
More information is available at Buxton's constituent service office at 717-986-1673, or on his Web site, www.pahouse.com/buxton.
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