On December 21, 2020, Congress passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill, $22.7 billion of which is designated for the Higher Education Relief Fund for colleges and universities. 

What this means for students:

• The eligibility for Pell Grants are broadened, making it easier for lower-income students to receive the increased maximum amount of federal student aid. 
• The Freed Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA has been simplified. The form has been reduced from 108 questions to 36.
• College students are now eligible to receive SNAP food benefits even if they do not meet the previous work requirements. 
• Despite students who are filed as dependents on their parent’s taxes not receiving the recent stimulus check, they are eligible to receive money through grants from the university.