Can I include my car note as debt?
No. The only debt that may be submitted as part of your application is credit card debt and medical bills. Other forms of student debt should be included in the section about outstanding student loans.
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Should I upload my tax return or my parent's tax return?
If your parent(s)/guardian claimed you on last year's tax return and/or still claim you on their tax returns, you are considered a dependent. In that case, you should upload your parent(s) or guardian's most recent tax return. If you file your own taxes or consider yourself financially independent, you should upload a copy of your most recent tax return.
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If I apply for Need-Based Financial Support, do I have to accept the entire financial package?
No. You may accept all, part, or none of the financial package after reviewing the grants and/or zero-interest loans you are offered. You can make this decision through the promissory notes you choose to sign. For instance, you can sign your grant promissory note but not your loan promissory note, in which case you will not receive your loan payment and will not be responsible for repaying it.
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If I receive a no-interest loan, how long do I have to pay it back?
Corps members generally have 18 months to repay their loans, unless they leave the corps before their two-year commitment is complete. Repayment for zero-interest loans for the 2026 corps will begin in January 2027.
If I'm granted a Needs-Based package, when will I receive funding?
The timeline for your transitional financial support package will be shared by your region. Generally, it will be released to you in stages, starting with when you need to pay to move to the region to participate in in-person summer training.
I received a full scholarship to college. Should I list my education cost as zero?
Even if you received a full scholarship, you will need to calculate and submit the total cost of your education. This includes tuition and room/board while obtaining your undergraduate degree. You will list your scholarship award in a separate section, but we still need the total undergraduate cost.
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Should I apply if I have a low credit score or no credit?
Need-Based Financial Support decisions are not based on credit score or credit worthiness. We only use the information you submit as part of your application, along with the cost of your region to determine your amount. If you need financial assistance greater than your Transitional Support Stipend we offer all corps members, you should apply.
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What financial documents will I need to apply?
In order to apply for Need-Based Financial Support you'll need to provide supporting financial documents such as
* Most recent tax returns - either your parents' if you were claimed as a dependent, or your own if you filed independently
* Undergraduate education cost - tuition statements, scholarships/grants, student loan statements
* Personal finances - recent banking statements
* Personal debt - recent credit card statements, medical bills