# Plain Language Summary: Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2021

This bill makes major changes to the federal Pell Grant program, which helps low-income students pay for college. Right now, Pell Grants are the largest source of federal grant money for college students, and they're especially important for students of color—about three out of five Black students and half of all Latino students rely on them. The bill aims to make these grants bigger, more reliable, and available to more people.

The most significant change is doubling the maximum Pell Grant over the next several years. Starting in 2023-2024, the maximum grant would jump from around $6,500 to $9,000, then gradually increase to $13,000 by 2028-2029. After that, grants would automatically grow each year to keep up with inflation, so students won't have to worry about the money losing value over time. The bill also changes how Pell Grants are funded—instead of relying on Congress to approve funding each year, the program would become "mandatory," meaning the money automatically flows to students who qualify without needing annual approval. This makes the program more stable and predictable.

The bill expands who can get Pell Grants in several ways. Students who receive government benefits like food stamps or Medicaid would automatically get extra grant money—an additional $1,500 beyond what they'd normally qualify for. The bill also makes undocumented immigrants (often called "Dreamers") eligible for Pell Grants for the first time, and it allows dependents of fallen military members to receive grants. Additionally, the bill restores eligibility for students who had previously been cut off from the program and reduces penalties for students who struggle academically, giving them more chances to keep their grants while they get back on track.

Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2021

Pocan, Mark

Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2021 This bill makes various changes to the Federal Pell Grant program, including by expanding student eligibility for Pell Grants. The bill also revises student eligibility for federal student-aid programs. Specifically, the bill provides funding to increase the maximum Pell Grant award for each eligible student. Further, the bill requires the award amount to be adjusted for inflation. Next, the bill allows students who receive means-tested federal benefits (e.g., Medicaid) to automatically qualify for the maximum Pell Grant award plus an additional award amount. In addition, the bill moves the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant program into the Pell Grant program. Next, the bill raises from 12 to 18 the total number of semesters during which a student may receive a Pell Grant. The bill makes Dreamer students (i.e., students who have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status) who entered the United States before the age of 18 and who meet certain educational criteria eligible for federal financial aid. The bill also revises satisfactory academic progress requirements for federal student-aid programs, including by allowing a student who has not been enrolled in an institution of higher education for two years to regain eligibility for federal student aid.