I wonder if some of the information listed here would even apply to people on probation or parole, since they're not really incarcerated, but still under BOP/DOC? I am looking for financial aid sources for my sweetie, who's in a halfway house. Being in the halfway house is technically still incarceration I belive. But what about after he gets out?

Blueviolet

I don't know myself. Has he asked his parole officer?

A person can get a pel grant and/or work study etc.. if they fall under the income guidelines and don't have a conviction for drugs... We've got several former inmates of state facilities at the community college I work at and a few are still on parole...

Deb

Hi Bleuviolet

Go to www.fafsa.gov and apply online for pell grants and other govermental educational loans/grants. Easy.

Peace
Maria

I thought that all felons period couldn't get financial aid? His conviction wasn't drug-related. I'll have to check that out.

Thanks,
Blueviolet

I thought that all felons period couldn't get financial aid? His conviction wasn't drug-related. I'll have to check that out.

Thanks,
Blueviolet

Hi Blue Violet

I am an ex felon who got financial aid (pell grants) and completed my education. There isn't a law against felons against getting government grants/loans unless there is a drug conviction. Good lack on the educational endeavors. It is definitely worth the time and effort.

Peace
Maria

I realize that no one has posted since January, but for people who re-read this post, I have some insight. I myself am a convicted felon and was able to get "boat loads" of financial aid including grants. I do know that on the FAFSA, the ask if you have been convicted of any drug offenses. Unless it's a drug offense, it should be a green light if you fall under the financial guidelines.

Thank God that finally people are speaking up about Financial Aid. Unless you have a drug related felony conviction, you are still entitled to financial aid, federal aid by filing FAFSA. And, if you have a drug related felony conviction, out on parole or probation and have been drug tested for at least one year with a clean bill of health, you too can receive financial aid. You file out the FAFSA and check the "No"... I know all this to be true, for I have worked with several convicted felons whom without drug conviction and they are receiving 100% financial aid. The rumor was out that the Federal government was out of the financial aid program for prisons. They no longer provide automatic financial aid assistance while incarcerated, it is now up to you to apply, or have a family member apply, apply online or by the mail, it's a free application... Seek and you shall Find... It never hurts to try...

Also, regarding attending college or a technical school, is very simply application. Apply like regular. Mail or fax the admissions application. I have found that it is a lot easier using a outside address (family, friend or home address). Have that person to forward the information to the inmate... Apply to take Distant Education, Correspondence Courses. There are many courses and almost every college has the program... You don't even have to mention that you or your love one is incarcerated... It is not an incarcerated program. The only incarcerated program for incarcerated persons is Ohio University, which is a good program, but doesn't accept financial aid.

Bottom Line, Apply for College, Technical, Trade School as if you or the Person isn't Incarcerated and you will be just fine... But the Main thing is that you must get the Warden's permission to attend College, to receive the books and materials... Basically, all the Warden want's to know is what is your Major, the name of the courses/classes, the title of the books so that the Prison Property Office can approve the books. It's not what you want to do, it's about how you go about doing it. "Respect"

So, please, please go and get that education that you will need in the future upon your release. Even for those whom are doing Life, accomplish your Life goals... And Education is more than a paycheck...It is about stimulating your mind, your soul and body... Knowledge is the root to all the growth of Life.

I am so glad to hear other incarcerated persons talking about acquiring an education... The funds are there... Just apply and move on from there...

If anyone needs any assistance, feel free to write me at:
*email address removed. Please PM this member*

All the Best!

Hi Nettie, Do you have any backup for the statement that you can check no for felony drug charges after a year drug free?

Thanks, JZ

Hi JVZ,

If you are a felony on probation/parole due to drug charges and have completed a year of random drug testing for example, or a drug program, where it can be verified if needed, then you are eligible to apply and receive FAFSA funds which include federal... When you fill out the application and click on/read the part concerning drug convictions, the instructions, the test to see if you qualified, it is stated there... If you are still unsure you can call FAFSA toll free and they will direct you. How do I know, I have assisted at least 4 persons whom had felony drug convictions, were on probation and had passed one year random drug testing with their probation officer and all 4 are attending college full time, receiving 100% federal and state aid. What they are not intitle to is STUDENT LOANS!!! Now, if you attend a Community College in your area, you really don't need a student loan to attend college full time... Due to the inexpensive cost. Call FAFSA... I don't have the number off hand, but type in those appreviations and it will take you there on the computer... I will be glad to get the information and post it later today... Another example of aid... For all 4 persons whom are full time Community College Students, their tutition expenses were about $900. total per semester and their free grant, due to no income eligibility, they all received $2,400 each per semester... This isn't a bad deal and the rewards of getting an education is the Best Reward of them all...
Wish you all the best...

Hi Again JVZ,
Regarding having documented information...here it is...
1. Go to www.FAFSA.Gov
2. Click on Whether You Are Eligible
3. Click on Drug Convictions
4. Answer "Yes" for Drug Conviction
5. Answer "No" if it hasn't been erased from your records or over 18 years old
6. From there it will ask " Have you completed an Acceptable drug Rehab Program"...You can click on the words and it will show you a list of Acceptable drug Rehab Programs... If you answer "Yes" it will then tell you, you are eligible for aid...

Here is a copy of Acceptable Drug Rehab, that I pasted from the FAFSA.Gov Site...


An acceptable drug rehabilitation program must include two unannounced drug tests. It must also:

Be qualified to receive funds from federal, state, or local government, or from a federally- or state-licensed insurance company
Or

Be administered or recognized by a federal, state, or local government agency or court, or a federally- or state-licensed hospital, health clinic, or medical doctor
For more information about Question 31, Drug-Related Convictions, refer to the Customer Service page for contact and assistance information

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
We as a People Need to Stop Following Behind Gossip... Yes, it is True that The Federal Government has put a Halt to financial aid. But only for those whom are convicted for Drug Related Offenses...and even with them, for those whom refuse to repent their lives, go into a drug rehab program. The reason why the Federal Government put an end to financial aid for Drug related offenses is simply, they don't wish to support young people using College as a front for Selling Drugs, nor pay for the User. I must agree with this. I want to see they young go to college, earn that hard degree and make something of themselves Legally. I also think they have gone a step further by allowing for Second Chances...through completing random drug testing... There must be laws, there must be accountability and we must be held responsible for our actions...fairly and humanely... It's okay to Listen to Gossip, but never ever follow it unless you have checked it out for yourself... Dot all your I's and Cross all your T's and then run with the Gossip and Rumors... So, yes the Feds has Cut the Financial Aid Program, But No it Hasn't Abolished it for Convicted Felons...
So, if you all know of convicted felons, incarcerated felons whom qualify based on the Drug Conviction Test, Please let them know, they can acquire a higher education too... The money is there...
There is No such thing as a Stupid Question! Seek and You Shall Find!
JVZ,
I hope this information helps!!
Always Remember Things Happen In God's Time...And He is Always On Time!!!
All the Best



Hi Nettie, Do you have any backup for the statement that you can check no for felony drug charges after a year drug free?

Thanks, JZ

Thanks Nettie That's great! My son is trying to figure out how to get his life back on track and finishing college without any money was one of the challenges.

I found it here: http://www.fasfa.com/

Thanks for finding it... I miss typed... Wish you all the Best towards your incarcerated loveone receiving a higher education...


I found it here: http://www.fasfa.com/

Thanks for the super information about financial aid for furthering a felon's education! I think this needs to be in the Con-tact News!

I think the "official" website is at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The other site, www.fasfa.com is a commercial site offering assistance with the application process.

Again, thanks for sharing your expertise! An education is definitely important!

Sherry :)

Thanks, Sherry.

I think you're right.



Thanks for the super information about financial aid for furthering a felon's education! I think this needs to be in the Con-tact News!

I think the "official" website is at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The other site, www.fasfa.com is a commercial site offering assistance with the application process.

Again, thanks for sharing your expertise! An education is definitely important!

Sherry :)

My nephew is a drug convicted felony (petty drugs) and i found out today that he can get a loan. There is a waiting period for the time he can get a loan. Generally, it is about a year. I called one of the schools in my area (CHI) trade school and they said they would give him a loan. If the crime is new, he would have a waiting period, but if the crime is a year old, he could get loan assistance. She also said that you can get a loan through Sallie Mae called a "Cash Balance Loan". He would pay it like any other loan. At the end when he finishes school. I hope some of you look into this, it should help you.


Thank God that finally people are speaking up about Financial Aid. Unless you have a drug related felony conviction, you are still entitled to financial aid, federal aid by filing FAFSA. And, if you have a drug related felony conviction, out on parole or probation and have been drug tested for at least one year with a clean bill of health, you too can receive financial aid. You file out the FAFSA and check the "No"... I know all this to be true, for I have worked with several convicted felons whom without drug conviction and they are receiving 100% financial aid. The rumor was out that the Federal government was out of the financial aid program for prisons. They no longer provide automatic financial aid assistance while incarcerated, it is now up to you to apply, or have a family member apply, apply online or by the mail, it's a free application... Seek and you shall Find... It never hurts to try...

Also, regarding attending college or a technical school, is very simply application. Apply like regular. Mail or fax the admissions application. I have found that it is a lot easier using a outside address (family, friend or home address). Have that person to forward the information to the inmate... Apply to take Distant Education, Correspondence Courses. There are many courses and almost every college has the program... You don't even have to mention that you or your love one is incarcerated... It is not an incarcerated program. The only incarcerated program for incarcerated persons is Ohio University, which is a good program, but doesn't accept financial aid.

Bottom Line, Apply for College, Technical, Trade School as if you or the Person isn't Incarcerated and you will be just fine... But the Main thing is that you must get the Warden's permission to attend College, to receive the books and materials... Basically, all the Warden want's to know is what is your Major, the name of the courses/classes, the title of the books so that the Prison Property Office can approve the books. It's not what you want to do, it's about how you go about doing it. "Respect"

So, please, please go and get that education that you will need in the future upon your release. Even for those whom are doing Life, accomplish your Life goals... And Education is more than a paycheck...It is about stimulating your mind, your soul and body... Knowledge is the root to all the growth of Life.

I am so glad to hear other incarcerated persons talking about acquiring an education... The funds are there... Just apply and move on from there...

If anyone needs any assistance, feel free to write me at:
*email address removed. Please PM this member*

All the Best!

Hi Bleuviolet

Go to www.fafsa.gov (http://www.fafsa.gov/) and apply online for pell grants and other govermental educational loans/grants. Easy.

Peace
Mariathanks for the info ,its 24 degrees out hear in skokie. shout out to you my neighbor