01.24.24

Scott Supports ED Decision to Reverse Course and Adjust FAFSA Form to Ensure Students Get Full Amount of Relief

Students Will Now Have Access to an Additional $1.8 Billion in Aid

WASHINGTON – Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) released the following statement after the Department of Education (Department) decided to adjust the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Income Protection Allowance for the 2024-2025 award year to accurately account for inflation.

“This is great news for students and families. The FAFSA Income Protection Allowance is a critical tool to help students determine how much aid for which they are eligible. I am pleased that the Department will reverse course and accurately adjust the Income Protection Allowance for inflation. Through this action, students will have access to an additional $1.8 billion in federal student aid.

“Moving forward, the Department must do everything it can to prevent further delays in implementing the new FAFSA form because it can negatively impact students. When students are unaware of the full amount of financial aid they are entitled to, it can impact their decision to pursue a college degree. I will continue to conduct oversight over the Department’s implementation of the simplified FAFSA form and ensure every American can take advantage of the lifelong benefits of a high-quality degree.”

In 2020, then-Chairman Scott secured passage of the bipartisan FAFSA Simplification Act to improve and simplify the federal student aid system for students and their families. These improvements included updating the Income Protection Allowance for inflation.

Last month, Ranking Member Scott urged the Department to increase the FAFSA Income Protection Allowance per the FAFSA Simplification Act.  In his oversight letter to the Department earlier this month regarding delays in implementing the simplified FAFSA, Ranking Member Scott also asked the Department to share its plans to adjust the Income Protection Allowance for inflation.

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