Expert: Tim G - 4/11/2009

Question
I am in the process of being convicted of a drug felony. I recieved the charge when i was not enrolled in school. Will I be able to recieve financial aid for school?

Answer
I made this public due to it is very useful info for others in your situation.

If you are denied after filling out the worksheet you could try an acceptable drug rehabilitation program, as stated below, to become eligible again.

FYI (from below): If you are convicted of possessing or selling drugs after you submit your FAFSA, you must notify your financial aid administrator immediately. You will lose your eligibility and be required to pay back all aid you received after your conviction.

--> Make sure your financial aid counselor is aware this could happen and ask about the drug rehabilitation program option.

--> You could also wait to attend school until your conviction is completed, then attend a drug rehabilitation program (something your conviction may force you to do; mention to the judge you would like this option when sentenced to improve your life, and prove to the government that you are not doing/selling/etc drugs anymore), and then apply for financial aid.

FAFSA website (www.fafsa.ed.gov) FAQ section.

Q. I've been convicted of a drug offense. Does this mean I won't get any aid?

A. This question on the FAFSA asks about convictions for possessing or selling illegal drugs (not including alcohol and tobacco) if the offense occurred during a period of enrollment for which you were receiving federal student aid (grants, loans, and/or work-study). Do not count convictions that have been removed from your record. Do not count convictions that occurred before you turned 18, unless you were tried as an adult.

Drug Conviction Worksheet

Use the worksheet found in the application to determine your eligibility.

The FAFSA question asks "Has the student been convicted for the possession or sale of illegal drugs for an offense that occurred while the student was receiving federal student aid (grants, loans, and/or work-study)?" When you fill out the Drug Conviction Worksheet, your responses will result in one of these answers:

Answer Means
1, No = Eligible. Your eligibility for federal student aid is not affected.
2, Yes (partially during the year) = Partially eligible. You will become eligible for federal aid during the school year. You can become eligible earlier in the school year if you complete an acceptable drug rehabilitation program.
3, Yes/Don't Know Ineligible / don't know = You are not eligible for federal aid for this school year unless you complete an acceptable drug rehabilitation program. You may still be eligible for state and school aid.  


Even if you are not eligible for federal aid, you may be eligible for state or school financial aid. If you become eligible for federal financial aid (for example, if your eligibility date arrives or if you complete an acceptable drug rehabilitation program), notify the financial aid administrator at your school. If you are convicted of possessing or selling drugs after you submit your FAFSA, you must notify your financial aid administrator immediately. You will lose your eligibility and be required to pay back all aid you received after your conviction.


What is an acceptable drug rehabilitation program?
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 a state-licensed insurance company.

Or

Be administered or recognized by a federal, state, or local government agency or court, or a state-licensed hospital, health clinic, or medical doctor.