Harrisburg – April 23, 2014 – The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) 2014-15 State Grant application deadline is May 1, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-McKeesport) reminded constituents today.

“The application deadline applies to all first-time and renewal applicants so it is important that all students act now to ensure they are considered for grant funding,” Brewster said. “Those planning to enroll in colleges, universities or two-year institutions or renew their grants should make sure their applications are filed.”

To qualify for consideration for a State Grant award, applicants must have completed the 2014-15 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The applications for both the 2014-15 State Grant and the FAFSA can be accessed on PHEAA’s website at www.pheaa.org

The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for many types of need-based financial aid, including the Pennsylvania State Grant, federal Pell Grant, low-cost student loans, as well as other scholarships and institution-based awards.

First-time grant applicants must also submit a Pennsylvania State Grant Form. Those who complete the FAFSA online will be redirected to the State Grant Form. Those who are first-time applicants and who have submitted their FAFSA, but not their State Grant Form, should visit www.pheaa.org to complete the process.

Brewster said that if constituents have questions they can contact any one of his offices. If there are questions about FAFSA or the State Grant Program and students or their families need to speak to a PHEAA representative, they can call 1-800-692-7392.

PHEAA was created in 1963 and has developed into one of the nation’s leading student aid organizations.

# # #