Higher Education, Job Search Strategies and Money Management (Updated 6/2017)

HIGHER EDUCATION

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

What is it?
The FAFSA is an application you can fill out to receive federal and state loans and grants for college tuition. FSA, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation.

Do I qualify?
To fill out the FAFSA, you must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, have a Social Security number, and demonstrate financial need (for most programs). You also need a high school diploma or GED, be enrolled in or accepted to a school that accepts federal aid, and maintain satisfactory academic progress in college or career school. You must be registered for Selective Service, if male.

How do I apply?
To apply, complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You can get a paper FAFSA application at your local library or by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (TTY 1-800-730-8913).

Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA)

What is it?
PHEAA provides loans, grants and scholarships to Pennsylvania students for college or technical school. The Agency also helps with college planning.
The most common grant offered by PHEAA is the state grant. Grants are different from loans: while loans must be paid back, grants do not. In addition to state grants there are also several special grants and scholarship programs. These programs benefit people who belong to certain groups, have specific interests and other personal characteristics. PHEAA also offers loan forgiveness, which can reduce the amount of money you owe for your student loans if you’re in a certain line of work, such as nursing, early education, Armed Forces, States Veterans’ Home Nurses and Agriculture. Your loans must be federal or state owned.

Do I qualify?
Different programs have different qualifications. The best way to see what programs you qualify for is to contact PHEAA For most loans and grants, you will need to fill out the FAFSA to determine eligibility.

How do I apply?
To get more information about programs and the application process, call 1-800-233-0557, or visit the PHEAA website at www.pheaa.org. For specific contact information about certain topics, visit this page.


TAP 529

What is it?
TAP 529 is a savings program. You can use the money that you save in TAP 529 to pay for college tuition, books and room and board at any college or university that gives students federal aid. TAP 529 includes two different savings plans depending on the individual's situation.

Do I qualify?
Anyone over 18 is eligible for TAP 529. You can start an account for your child by asking that your child receives the money when she or he turns 18.

How do I apply?
To apply, open an account on their website at www.tap529.com.


JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES

Commonwealth Workforce Development System (CWDS)

What is it?
CWDS provides access to Pennsylvania workforce development and independent living services provided by the Departments of Labor & Industry and Human Services. Job seekers and other individuals seeking services can use CWDS to create résumés and match their skills, requirements and backgrounds with job openings. CWDS also lists certified training providers in your area.

Do I qualify?
To apply for a job you must complete a short registration, and be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident alien, or be authorized to work in the United States.

How do I apply?
To begin setting up a profile in CWDS, visit www.cwds.state.pa.us.


Employment, Advancement, and Retention Network (EARN)

What is it?
The purpose of EARN is to address the needs of welfare recipients and low income individuals with serious barriers to employment through comprehensive case management, remediation, education with special emphasis on individuals with limited English proficiency, skills training, work activities, job placement and retention activities as well as providing supportive services. EARN unites the services of local Workforce Investment Area (WIA) staff, Bureau of Workfroce Development Partnership (BWDP) representatives, educational institutions and County Assistance Office (CAO) staff.

Do I qualify?
To qualify, you must meet certain income guidelines.

How do I apply?
To apply, contact your local County Assistance Office (CAO) or, if you are a participant in this program and would like additional information, you can contact your local PA CareerLink® office. Both numbers are available in the County Help Chart.


PA CareerLink® 

What is it?
PA CareerLink® is Pennsylvania's one-stop service for job seekers. CareerLinks® offers both self-directed and staff-assisted job search assistance as well as programs and training tailored to individual needs. Services range from group sessions with staff answering basic questions to intensive services. CareerLinks® also has computer resource areas where you can job search, and create resumes and cover letters with or without assistance.

Do I qualify?
Anyone can use a CareerLink office.

How do I apply?
Call your local CareerLink® to find its location. A list of CareerLinks® is available in the County Help Chart.


MONEY MANAGEMENT

Consumer Credit Counseling Service

What is it?
Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) are non-profit credit and housing counseling agencies offering consumer credit and financial education, credit, debt, bankruptcy, housing, reverse mortgage,  and student loan debt counseling, asset building and debt reduction programs.

Do I qualify?
Anyone can use these services, no matter how much you make.

How do I apply?
Call the Consumer Credit Counseling Service at 1-800-388-2227 or visit www.nfcc.org to find a CCCS near you.



Financial Path$

What is it?
Financial Path$ provides individualized one-on-one financial counseling education to low-to-middle income individuals and families. This PathWays PA program also offers outreach and assistance to low-income families to provide access to public benefits, resolve benefit problems, provide credit counseling and teach strategies to conserve, manage and build financial resources. Financial Path$ staff can also help you get your credit report and walk through your report with you.


Do I qualify?
Anyone in the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley area is welcome to use Financial Path$ services.

How do I apply?
For more information, please contact Britney Gaines at bgaines@pathwayspa.org or 484-916-6411.


Individual Development Account (IDA) and Family Saving Account (FSA)

What is it?
IDAs and FSAs are savings accounts specially designed to help you save your money faster. These accounts are matched savings accounts, meaning that for every dollar you save, the government will match it and put it in a separate account. At the end of your program, you will receive the money you saved and the money that the government has put away for you. The government will match your savings up to $2,000 after two years.
Individuals frequently use IDAs and FSAs in order to save up for an purchase a home, pay for higher education or start a business. They receive the matched funds at the end of their savings program. While you can take out money from the account at any time, you risk losing matching funds if you take it out before the program is complete.

Do I qualify?
To qualify, you must meet the residence guidelines and other specific guidelines associated with the program to which you are applying. Generally, you must work full or part-time to take part in the program. Participants using the program also must attend several financial literacy trainings.

How do I apply?
The IDA Program Directory allows you to locate IDA providers in your area. To apply for a FSA, call WORC at 215-564-5500.

Click on the programs or information below to view a printable pdf of the information provided: