H.R. 5739 · 117th Congress

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to change certain Federal Pell Grant requirements for certain students with disabilities, and for other purposes.

Stage
In committee
Introduced
2021-10-26
Latest action
2021-10-26 · Introduced in House

Summary

This bill revises certain requirements under the Federal Pell Grant Program for students with disabilities.

Currently, Pell Grant awards are based on enrollment status and a student must attend an institution of higher education (IHE) on a full-time basis in order to receive the maximum award amount. This bill provides an exception for a student with a disability who is receiving appropriate and reasonable accommodations for such disability. Specifically, the bill requires the amount of a Pell Grant to be calculated as if such a student is attending an IHE on a full-time basis, without regard to whether the student is attending less than full time.

Additionally, the bill extends the period of time during which a student with a disability may receive a Pell Grant. In particular, the bill allows a student to exceed the current 12-semester limit to complete the first undergraduate baccalaureate course of study if required by the student's accommodations.