Fin Aid - Bonus?

Nursing Students General Students

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Heya Folks,

I ran into a rather odd siuation yesterday. Almost a year ago when I applied for Fin Aid I was informed that because I made $25k/yr and am single with no dependents, I am elligible for student loans lonly, no grants of any kind. I was fine with that and simply took out the loans I was elligible for.

Yesterday, a full semester and a half after my first day back to school I found a rather interresting thing in the mail - a check for just shy of $1500! It was addressed properly, had my correct SSN and clearly stated it was a Pell Grant.

Sigh, I find myself in the difficult situation of knowing what I should do... go to Fin Aid and ask about it. I know that likely it was a mix up and somone is wondering where his/her check is.

Anyone else run into anything like this?

Also, anyone know about Uncle Sam's extra fund for nursing students? (grants, etc?)

Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Call Center RN.
Originally posted by vettech

Not sure if I completely follow you. You're saying that when I applied, based on Fin Aid's budget, I basically didn't make the cut. But now that the census day has passed, they found they had extra and changed the minimum critera for grants?

That is the way I have been told it goes at our school. Different schools handle things different. But I sure think that you got it because you qualified somewhere. And as I always say Don't look a gift horse in the mouth!:chuckle

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Originally posted by RN2BLPN4NOW

That is the way I have been told it goes at our school. Different schools handle things different. But I sure think that you got it because you qualified somewhere. And as I always say Don't look a gift horse in the mouth!:chuckle

My concern is that if it was in error, they'll demand it back...

I have no immediate need for the money but my lil' Mazda DID just break 100k so I figure if the money is mine, its car money.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Call Center RN.
Originally posted by vettech

My concern is that if it was in error, they'll demand it back...

I have no immediate need for the money but my lil' Mazda DID just break 100k so I figure if the money is mine, its car money.

Is the check from FAFSA or your school? If your worried you could call FAFSA, they don't take spring break. Otherwise put it up and wait till school is back in session. You know at our school, there are not classes, but the offices are open. You might check.:rolleyes:

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I'd call the Fin Aid Office because if they find out it was sent by accident, then you'll have to pay it back. Better safe then sorry :)

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So...did you ask about it angel-smiley-001.gif or did you cash it :devil: ? :chuckle

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Three comments.

If it was mine, I would want to know How it became mine, and Why since I wasn't supposed to be qualified for a Grant and will it remain mine.

Secondly, if you are still wondering whether to just keep it and not ask anyone I would say this. If you are a mother, what would you tell your child to do if they suddenly came into some money unexplained.

Thirdly, if it is money from the government you better believe they will figure it out. May take some time but the government will always look for money to collect.

I do hope things work out in your favor.

C

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I'd definitely check with your financial aid office--if it's not yours, the government will track you down and you could face civil and criminal penalties when they do.

If it is yours, you want to know why, so that when you fill out your FAFSA next year you can meet the same parameters and get it again.

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Okey folks,

I went to fin Aid today between classes and they were as confused as I was. There was no reason for me to be issued the check so they kept it.

Its hard enough to find someone honest enough to turn in an errant $1500 check but I didn't even get a "thank you"! I was told "Ummm, we're gonna have to keep it." then she walked away.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Call Center RN.
Originally posted by vettech

Okey folks,

I went to fin Aid today between classes and they were as confused as I was. There was no reason for me to be issued the check so they kept it.

Its hard enough to find someone honest enough to turn in an errant $1500 check but I didn't even get a "thank you"! I was told "Ummm, we're gonna have to keep it." then she walked away.

PLease please tell me you asked for a receipt. They (that person) can cash that check and you are out all that money. I would demand an explanation as well. I hate it when the employees of the school treat the students rude.:(

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Originally posted by vettech

Okey folks,

I went to fin Aid today between classes and they were as confused as I was. There was no reason for me to be issued the check so they kept it.

Its hard enough to find someone honest enough to turn in an errant $1500 check but I didn't even get a "thank you"! I was told "Ummm, we're gonna have to keep it." then she walked away.

Golly, that sounds strange. I'd definitely follow-up.

Where I am my current job pays a bit more than you were earning, and apparently I'm eligible for grants.

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Originally posted by Mel D

Golly, that sounds strange. I'd definitely follow-up.

Where I am my current job pays a bit more than you were earning, and apparently I'm eligible for grants.

The explanation for why I am not eligible for grants is that $25k/yr with no spouse/dependents = not poor. Which, honestly, I'm not. I can cover school expenses on my current salary, but just barely.

To be honest, I've used the loan money I've requested for long-overdue dental work, a proper study desk (as opposed to the card table I've been using) and other such things. WTF, its about the cheapest loan I can get anywhere. In fact, fall semester's check will likely help pay for a car since, as I've said, mine just broke 100k miles and I'd like one I can trust a bit more for clinicals. With my cruddy credit (due to finacial foolishness when I was younger) no car company would give me the interrest rate Uncle Sam will.

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I told ya to keep it....:)

See what you get for being so honest? I wouldn't trust the financial aid office, and I would contact the federal financial aid office.

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