Introduction
The Campus-Based Programs include the Federal Work-Study Program (FWS), the Federal Supplemental Educational Grant Program (FSEOG), and the Federal Perkins Loan Program (Perkins Loans). This volume provides the information that schools need to administer those programs.
Throughout the Federal Student Aid Handbook we use “college,” “school,” and “institution” interchangeably unless a more specific use is given. “You” refers to the primary audience of the Handbook: financial aid administrators at colleges. “We” indicates the U.S. Department of Education (the Department, ED), and “Federal Student Aid,” “FSA Programs,” and “Title IV aid” are synonymous terms for the financial aid offered by the Department.
We appreciate any comments that you have on Volume 6. We revise the text based on questions and feedback from the financial aid community, so please write us at fsaschoolspubs@ed.gov about how to improve the Handbook so that it is always clear and informative.
Significant Changes for 2020-21
Below, we provide a summary of the significant changes and clarifications presented in greater detail in the chapters that follow. Alone the text herein does not provide schools with the guidance needed to satisfactorily administer the Title IV HEA programs. For more complete guidance, you should refer to the text in the chapters cited, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and the Higher Education Act (HEA) as amended.
Throughout Volume 6, we have amended the format and style to reduce the number of sidebars. The sidebar text has not disappeared, however; it has been incorporated into the body text of the chapter.
Chapter 1
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We added information and citations for the COD implementation for the 2020-21 award year.
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We added guidance on the temporary expansion of FWS transfer authority due to Section 3503 of the CARES Act.
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We added instructions on implementing the Emergency CARES Act waiver of FSEOG and FWS nonfederal share.
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Added Electronic Announcement citations for Title III/V status and waiver of FWS and FSEOG nonfederal share and Deadline dates for filing for Title III/V status for the 2020-21 award year.
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Added CARES Act Emergency Aid FSEOG Grants guidance: The CARES Act provides that a school may use any amount of its FSEOG allocation to award emergency financial aid grants to assist students as the result of a qualifying emergency.
Chapter 2
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Added regulatory citation for FWS Reading tutors requirement: 34 CFR 675.18(g).
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Added description of COVID-19 waiver of certain FWS community service requirements for the 2020-21 award year.
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Added Electronic Announcement citation for more detail on administering FWS Community Service Waivers.
Chapter 3
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Added link to new Knowledge Center page on Campus-Based processing.
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Added regulatory citation for Perkins due diligence: 34 CFR 674.41(b).
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Clarified when a Perkins Loan must be assigned to the Department.
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Added E-Announcement citation for Perkins Assignment for loans in default for 2 or more years.
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Added list of top reasons files submitted for assignment are rejected by the Department.
Chapter 4
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We clarified the general introductory discussion of Perkins grace periods: Perkins loan payments are based on what is necessary to pay the loan off in a 10 year period. Borrowers in a grace period are not considered to be in repayment, and grace periods therefore are not included in the 10 year period used to calculate Perkins payments.
Comments? Questions?
If you have any comments or questions regarding the FSA Handbook, please contact Research and Publications via email at fsaschoolspubs@ed.gov.