Does the Fair Credit Reporting Act Prevent Felons From Receiving Grants?

December 14, 2011 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: FCRA, Pell Grant Income Requirements, Single Parent School Grants, Trade School Grants 
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We were recently asked this question by a convicted felon who was concerned about his ability to secure a grant for school.  The answer to this question, about education grants for felons, will vary depending on who or what company is awarding the grant for education.

If you have a felony conviction, and if you desire to return to school, there are some limitations to securing financial aid for school.  For example, felons who have a drug conviction typically do not qualify for federal grants however they can often qualify for private grants.  In many cases, private grants awarded are not based on anything other than your financial need and, perhaps, your grade point average from any prior schooling you may have.  If, however, the company requires a background check of some type, it will often be a consumer fair credit report that is regulated under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, FCRA.

Federal law, under the FCRA, limits what a reporting agency can give to any organization, including grant awarding companies and to employers.  In most situations, the information reported is limited to going back no further than seven (7) years.  But states, in many cases, have modified this law to apply certain limitations.  For example, in New York, the limitation on using the Fair Credit Reporting Act, FCRA. is only applicable for 7 years and only if you are looking for a job, or award, that is more than $25,000 annually.  If your grant is less than that, the grant awarding company can’t use this information.

So, when applying for grants, if you come across some that require a background check, do not fret.  In many cases, these are done by outside agencies and if your felony is more than 7 years old, you should have very little to worry about.  Never let your felony hold you back from getting an education.   Consider all options for financial aid – both private and public scholarships, grants, and even loans.

Technorati Tags: Education Grants for Felons, Fair Credit Reporting Act, FCRA

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School Grants in Health and Nutrition Degrees

December 3, 2011 by · 1 Comment
Filed under: Grant for Felons, School Grants for Felons 
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Are you looking for school grants to further your education?   While you can consider resources for ex felons in the traditional FASFA financial aid process, it is important to also consider other opportunities for acquiring grants for school.  (read on….)


For many convicted felons and their families, when there is a desire to attend school, opportunities in financial aid come thru unique resources.  For example, if you are majoring in health and nutrition, you may want to find school grants thru manufacturers of health foods.  Often, if you write an essay about healthy cereals, these companies will provide you with a grant to attend school.   While the grant may not be a significant amount, if you do this type of writing over and over again, promoting products thru essay and social networking, there can be a significant amount of grant money acquired with very little effort on your part.  In addition, some city grants can be made to you if you write a great article about some dynamic part of the city in which you live.   To find grants for health and nutrition degrees, always consider out-of-the-box solutions and never be afraid to contact health, nutrition and food companies about nominal grants they may provide to you.  In many cases, these grants never ask about your background so your felony will not be a consideration to address.

Technorati Tags: Grants for Felons, School Grants

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