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Frequently Asked Questions |
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I am a Veteran. How do I receive my
entitlement for my education? |
You must complete the necessary
forms in the Financial Aid Office.
Once enrolled in an approved program by the State
Approving Agency, then the VA Certifying Official will
certify your enrollment after your first day of class
and it will take a minimum of four to eight weeks to
activate your VA benefits.
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What financial assistance do you offer
(Federal/State Funding, if available)? |
Federal Pell Grant, Florida Student
Assistance Grant, Florida Work Experience Program,
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, Student Financial
Assistance Fund (SFAF), school and community
scholarships and Installment Plans.
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When should I apply for Financial Aid? |
It is recommended that your financial aid file
be completed a minimum of two weeks prior to the
anticipated enrollment date. |
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How do I apply for Financial Aid? |
Get a federal student aid PIN.
The PIN allows you to sign your FAFSA
electronically, access your processed FAFSA, and make
corrections. Apply for your PIN at
www.pin.ed.gov. If you are providing
parent information on the FAFSA, one of your parents
must also sign your application. To
sign electronically, your parent should apply for
his/her own PIN. You will then need
to complete the Free Application Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA) form using your most recent tax return and W2's
and/or untaxed income (unemployment, child support,
etc.). Complete the FAFSA form online at
www.fafsa.ed.gov or visit the Financial Aid Office at
TECO to pick up a FAFSFA worksheet. Appropriate
signature(s) are required for processing.
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Can I use my own income? |
Yes, if you have children for whom you provide
50% or more support, are married, are a ward of the
court or have been in the military then you can use your
own income and your spouse's income if married. |
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I live on my own. Do I need my parents'
information? |
Whether or not you live with your parents, if
you are under 24 years old, your parents must complete
the parent's income information on the FAFSA form with
their most recent tax return and W2's and/or untaxed
income (unemployment, child support, etc.). You and
your parent's signatures are required for processing. |
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What are TECO's school codes for the FAFSA
form? |
TECO's school code is 031279
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How long does the FAFSA form process take? |
Normally, one week by Internet
(online) if appropriate signatures are submitted.
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My Student Aid Report (SAR) says I was
selected for a process called "verification". What does
this mean? |
The Federal Government has selected you for
verification. You must submit your most recent income
tax return and W2's and/or untaxed income (unemployment,
child support, etc.), parents and/or spouse if
applicable and complete a verification worksheet
provided in the Financial Aid Office (appropriate
signatures are required). Other documentation may be
required to complete your financial aid file. NOTE: The
school has the authority to select a student for
verification as well. |
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What if my Student Aid Report (SAR) is
incorrect? |
We recommend you can go online to
correct your errors or you can bring your SAR into the
Financial Aid Office for review and we can make the
corrections for you if needed.
Appropriate documentation and signatures are required.
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What does the Federal Pell Grant defer before
receiving aid? |
Tuition and lab fees ONLY.
If you need assistance with books, supplies and
uniforms you may seek help through Workforce Central
Florida or Vocational Rehabilitation if you qualify.
Please ask the Financial Aid staff for more
information.
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Do I qualify for the Federal Pell Grant if I
owe Federal funds or are in default of a student loan? |
No! You must
resolve your debt before receiving additional Pell
funds.
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How can I get information about my financial
aid award? |
Due to the FERPA Privacy Act, only
general information can be given over the phone to the
student. However, you may come to the
Financial Aid Office to get information about your
financial aid award.
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What do I need to do to
maintain my financial aid award? |
Specific satisfactory
academic and attendance progress requirements have been
established in accordance with federal and state
guidelines. Students must maintain satisfactory
academic and attendance progress requirements to retain
financial aid eligibility. |
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Are there any consequences to my financial aid
if I withdraw from classes? |
Yes! See the Financial Aid Office immediately
before withdrawing from class to see if you are in any
jeopardy of having any outstanding fees. Since a Return
of Title IV Funds must be calculated any outstanding
fees are your responsibility. |
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How will my tuition and lab fees be paid and
what happens to the money that exceeds my tuition and
lab fees? |
Tech Center tuition is calculated
based on individual program clock hours.
After you start the program your financial aid
award will be applied to your tuition and lab fees based
on your attendance. (Keep in mind if
your financial aid award does not cover all your tuition
and lab fees then the remaining balance will be your
responsibility). Any remaining money
after tuition and lab fees are paid will be available in
the form of a check to the student.
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Do I have to apply for financial
aid every year?
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Yes! You must reapply for financial
aid every award year (July 1 - June 30).
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What if my SAR does not truly
reflect my present situation and I do not qualify for
federal aid?
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You may request a Professional
Judgment (provided your earnings are less from the
previous year or you have "unusual" monetary expenses
that you have paid) from the Financial Aid Office.
The Financial Aid Specialist will review this
request and if approved your SAR will be resubmitted to
the Federal Government for reconsideration.
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What other financial aid is
available to a student who does not qualify for federal
aid?
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If you do not qualify for the
Federal Pell Grant, you may qualify for the Florida
Student Assistant Grant, Florida Work Experience Program
(two state grants) and SFAF (using the current household
income).
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What is considered household income? |
Household income is the current
income for the student by using three current pay stubs.
If the student does not have income and lives
with one or both parents, the parental current income is
used.
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What if I do not qualify for any
financial aid assistance?
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You may apply for the Installment
Plan (two or three installments based on the policy of
TECO). The student must demonstrate
need by completing the FAFSA form.
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What is FTF?
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Florida Trust Fund are funds that
assist students with tuition and approved lab fees.
These funds are limited and are on a first come
first serve basis. The student must
demonstrate need by completing the FAFSA form.
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Does TECO accept scholarships?
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If you have been awarded a scholarship from a
business or community agency, you will need to bring the
scholarship letter to the Financial Aid Office for
submission to the Business Office. |
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What is an Emergency Fund?
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This fund assists a student in
immediate need. An emergency is a
sudden, urgent, unusual unexpected occurrence, requiring
immediate action of relief. These
funds are donated from individuals or fundraisers and
are generally very limited in nature.
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