DepEd Still Struggling to Complete Processing of Millions of FAFSA Due to Bungled Systems Overhaul

Posted on August 30, 2024 by Ned Trisha

Since the first delay in the rollout of the new FAFSA online system in December 2023 dozens of colleges have been experiencing decreased enrollment especially among incoming freshmen. Nine months after the Department of Education was supposed to deploy a completely transformed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to serve as a better and faster financial aid portal, millions of students and families in need of financial assistance have instead been locked out of the system.

Many are still struggling to have their FAFSA form processed because the portal launched in March by the Department of Education has been dealing with long call lines. Apparently the transformational change promised by the overhauled FAFSA system is up to this day, full of unresolved problems as a result of technical glitches.

Higher Level Education Institutions Unable to Send Out Packages to Incoming Freshmen Students

The Department of Education previously announced that the online FAFSA portal is already available. Yet The National Association of Student Financial Aid (NASFA) revealed that up to this day, the bungled processes and unresolved issues have prevented higher level education institutions from sending financial aid packages to applicants.

Education Department Officials claim they’ve already processed 14.2 million financial aid applications FAFSAs, which had brought down the backlogs to only 2.8% from last year. However, the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) states that completion falloff is actually greater at nearly 10% of the more than 17 million of the students using FAFSA.

NASFA CEO Beth Maglione is urging the DepEd to have the system completely fixed and thoroughly tested from end to end in time for the next academic year. After all, the FAFSA Simplification Act passed by Congress in 2020 intended to make it easier and faster for students and families to receive the financial assistance they need.

Ed Dept. to Remove Some Administrative Requirements in Line with Delayed FAFSA Processing

Posted on February 19, 2024 by Ned Trisha

As the majority of college students depend on financial aid for enrollment support, the US Ed Dept. will temporarily relax certain administrative requirements this year. The primary purpose of which is to avoid delays in the release of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in connection with financial aid information being offered to graduating high school students.

The rollback of administrative requirements though is temporary. Actually, the freshly updated FAFSA form became available online 3 months later than the usual date of release. The delay in the release of the new FAFSA form therefore created more time constraints on the part of educational institutions in charge of processing and reviewing the financial aid applications for the incoming school year.

The Education Department therefore decided to suspend some of the required program reviews, since the reviewing institutions will receive FAFSA data from the department only in March of this year.

In line with the pronouncements, the US Department of Education explained that the new FAFSA form has been simplified to reduce the more than 100 questions that students and their families need to answer, down to only several dozens. That way, it will be easier for colleges and universities to process the student records in relation to their FAFSA application. The modifications will also allow for the timely issuance of financial aid offers despite the shortened time period of the current cycle.

According to Mr. Miguel Cardona, the present U.S. Education Department Secretary:

”The steps we are currently taking are all in direct response to the inputs contributed by college and university presidents and financial aid administrators on what they encounter as challenges in the processing and review of FAFSA applications.” ”That way, the department can implement better paths and take concrete steps that can make the processing of information more simple and easier for the financial aid administrators.”

Hustler University Supplements India’s Business Courses with Real World Strategies

Posted on January 5, 2024 by Ned Trisha

Hustlers University by Andrew tate gives special attention to India, where more than half of the population are globally connected young people. Tate’s Hustler University is quite relevant in today’s real business world, as it aims to broaden knowledge and skills in ecommerce, crypto currency trade, stock investments and engagement in online freelance work.
Moreover, nearly half (48.7%) of India’s 1.4 billion people have Internet connection, producing a huge number of individuals with potential to engage in new wealth creation methods. Improved access to the internet and affordability of mobile phones enabled the nation’s maturing generations to adapt to various technologies and digital platforms that characterize the present day business environment.
Andrew Tate’s online Hustler University, for one, gives students clearer perspectives on how to move forward in their quest to achieve financial independence.

Pursuit of Higher Education – A Major Step Toward a Brighter Future in India

In India, obtaining higher education is still recognized as an important step toward attaining financial success. Yet for many students in India, financial constraints pose as impediments that bar them from attaining a college degree.
Nevertheless there are numerous sources of financial assistance in India that provide support for those in earnest pursuit of higher education. The federal and state governments of India offer scholarships and educational loans, while several state-based non-profit organizations also extend financial aid to support students in disadvantaged areas.
Some private banks that have been nationalized offer student loans at competitive rates of interest, to eligible and credit worthy students. Such loans can cover tuition fees, board and lodging expenses, travel and other related costs like books and school supplies.
Foundation For Excellence (FFE) – The FFE is an example of a Non-Profit Organization that bestows scholarships and education financial aid to support eligible students coming from economically disadvantaged rural areas. However, financial aid is granted on a meritorious basis to deserving students pursuing a professional career.

Hustler University – Providing India’s Millennials and Gen Zs with Supplementary Education

Drawing from his own experiences, Andrew Tate who was a professional kickboxer who achieved considerable success as a stock investor, founded Hustler University. Since Tate earned his millions through trial and error, he made it his goal to provide supplementary education focused not only on stock investing but also on the new approaches to wealth creation.
Hustler University online courses are furnished by way of video-taped training programs conducted by well-known industry leaders.
The university’s eCommerce modules include strategies and guides on how to find the right product to sell via online stores or websites; as well as teach techniques on how to promote and market one’s business online.
Basic knowledge of stock and crypto currency trade training are supported with simulators. The simulators help students improve their skills at discerning lucrative investment options and in making the right buying or selling decisions.

How Does the No-Fault Rule Affect a Car Accident Victim’s Right in Florida ?

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Ned Trisha

A Florida car accident loan can help a victim endure the aftermath of a harrowing experience that combines with the uncertainty of the financial condition he is facing. This is especially true if the family relies on him as the main breadwinner.

Actually, regardless of the state you’re in, a car accident is undoubtedly a difficult experience to encounter. In Florida and other US states, the decision on how much a person stands to receive as economic and non-economic compensations must be in accordance with the no-fault rule.

What Exactly is the No-Fault Rule?

Under Florida’s No-Fault Rule, victims can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver only if the amount of injuries and damages exceed the amount of insurance coverage protecting the vehicle. In such cases, the victim along with his beneficiaries, are entitled to seek additional compensation known as compulsory damages.

Such damages include financial compensation for the economic and non-economic hardships and disruptions brought about by the car accident.

The No-Fault rule requires the court to determine the level of fault that each party to the accident is answerable in terms of actions. The rule adheres to the principles of the Comparative Negligence law, which is used to determine the monetary reward the victim can claim as compensation.

Apparently, the level of negligence and carelessness exhibited by both the victim and the driver during the accident will determine the amount that will be awarded as compulsory damages.

Under the No-Fault Rule, the driver of the “at-fault” vehicle still stands to receive compensation that he can use for damage-recovery. This remains true even if the investigation showed that the driver was 99% at fault.

However, the circumstances and processes by which economic and non-economic compensatory damages are awarded can prolong the time it takes for the victim to actually receive the proceeds.

In the meantime, medical and hospitalization bills continue to add up. Basic household necessities such as food, house rental and utility costs are in danger of losing funding; not unless the settlement of the compensatory damages can be resolved immediately.

Significance of the Help Lawsuit Loan Companies Provide to Car Accident Victims

Fortunately for the victims of serious automobile accidents, there are corporate entities that offer lawsuit loans to help victims meet their financial needs while still unable to work. Rather than wait for a Florida court to decide on the types and amounts of compulsory damages to award, the lawsuit loan company will advance the payment of the settlement.

The arrangement is no -risk on the part of the car accident victim since payment of the lawsuit loan will come from the pending settlement,

Yet the lawsuit loan company takes the risk of not receiving compensation at all or receiving compulsory damages in an amount lower than what was advanced to the victim. Nevertheless, a lawsuit loan company cannot collect payment from the victim as part of the terms and conditions agreed upon.by both parties.

Biden Admin Issues New Requirements for Ed Institutions Seeking Financial Aid Approval

Posted on July 19, 2023 by Ned Trisha

A set of new regulations and conditions were issued by the Biden Administration, which colleges and universities must comply with when seeking approval for financial aid. The most prominent conditions included as new rules pertain to gainful employment, regardless of whether the financial aid is part of a state authorization or of a reciprocity agreement. This particular requirement will apply to all types of financial aid programs.

Prominent New Requirements and Conditions for Financial Aid Regulations

Consumer Protection Laws – One of the new conditions included a proposed requirement by the Education Department, for colleges and universities to include consumer protection laws.

State Reciprocity Agreement – In addition, the Education Department also submitted a proposal for educational institutions to collaborate by way of a joint state reciprocity agreement.
The agreement will allow online students to receive federal financial aid from the state where the educational institution is located. At the same time allow the online students to bypass some of the state requirements if the educational institution has a reciprocity agreement with the state.

Officials at the Education Department said that the new regulations and conditions intend to establish a more rigorous process that will give students and taxpayers better protection. According to the Department, 49 states and the District of Columbia as well as Puerto Rico and other territories, have signed up for the voluntary agreement. Absence of a reciprocity agreement will constrain institutions to seek authorization from every state for each online student they will accept for enrolment in their institution.

Education Department Extends Suspension of Student Loan Payment up to Aug. 31, 2022

Posted on May 22, 2022 by Ned Trisha

Early last April of this year, the Department of Education (ED) extended the suspension of student loan payments that originally commenced in March 2020. The suspension announcement included other relief measures that student loan borrowers can apply for under the Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans. The purpose of which is to be able to have the lowest monthly payment amount possible once the suspension ends in August.

The US ED is encouraging borrowers to checkout and understand the eligibility requirements and different relief measures that could qualify them for lower monthly payment amounts.

What Exactly Does the Suspension of Loan Payments Mean?

First off, the suspension applies only to ED-owned student loans availed via federal loan servicers. Borrowers do not have to make payments up to August 31, 2020. Those who made payments prior to the announcement of the suspension can request a refund from their respective loan servicer.

How Does Suspended Collection Affect Defaulted Loan Payments?

Loan servicers will not collect payments even on defaulted loans during the suspension period. This is regardless of whether the borrower opted out of the payment suspension implemented by the ED.

What Exactly Does 0% Interest Mean?

Borrowers who are up to date on their loan payments prior to the March 2020 suspension will pay interest only on the payments due at the end of the suspension period. Interests that accrued from March 13, 2020 throughout the suspension period will not be capitalized, which means interests will not be added to the value of the outstanding principal.

On the other hand, if prior to the March 2020 suspension period the loan account already had accrued interests as results of late or non payment, the suspension period will not stop the capitalization of interest accrued on the defaulted amounts. Only the interest accrued on loan payments during the suspension period will not be capitalized.

Economic Relief Measures Still Available to Needy Americans

Posted on February 8, 2022 by Ned Trisha

Many low and middle income Americans are still struggling, unaware that relief measures and financial assistance are still available at government agencies. The economic relief available includes billions of dollars in federal rental assistance as well as food-assistance options, and expanded health-care for low-income citizens.

Below are some important options still open to qualified citizens:

The National Low Income Housing Coalition

This coalition has a state-by-state list of the more than 500 programs that give out financial aid to low income citizens. Applicants can use the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s new tool that assists people in applying fot a specific aid that includes getting up to 18 months of rent covered.

Rental Assistance – Tenants who have fallen behind their rent can get help from the billions of dollars of funds accessible as federal rental assistance. According to experts, those who have received eviction notices should apply as soon as possible.

Student Loan Break – The Biden administration announced during the previous month that suspension of collections on federal student loans will be prolonged until May 1, in light of the new omicron variant.

Expanded Food Stamps – The federal government approved the largest boost to food assistance benefits last year via the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The pre-pandemic average benefit of $121 has been raised to $157 according to the USDA. To qualify, a person’s income and asset must be within bracket of the SNAP rules. Some expenses like childcare costs and rent can be added as additional deductions to income..

Expanded Health Insurance Options
During the public health crisis, the Congress passed a legislation that boosted the available tax credits to citizens purchasing health insurance plans on the Affordable Care Act’s marketplace. This will continue during the year, and the credits will lessen a citizen’s required out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. The new rules states that no one should be spend more than 8.5% of their income on health care coverage. Individuals who have been recipients of unemployment insurance last year, can obtain a nearly-free or entirely free health care plan.

Number of No-Loan Educational Institutions in the U.S. is on the Rise

Posted on September 26, 2021 by Ned Trisha

Several universities and colleges are going loan-free by offering only generous financial aid packages to needy students to avoid entanglement in student loans. No-loan schools are encouraging students from modest or low-income family to apply for admission in their institutions as acceptance would mean they do not have to worry about payment of expensive school fees.

According to COO of Scholarships.com Kevin Ladd, the likeliest students who will be considered by no-loans schools are those who meet the grade and extracurricular activity requirements of the educational institutions.

How Do No-Loan College or University Offers Work?

It is important to note however, that attending these colleges does not necessarily mean zero expenses. Generally, no-loan colleges aim to cover a low or middle income family’s demonstrated financial need. The amount of financial need represents the gap between the amount that a family can afford to pay as contribution and the actual costs of their child’s higher education.

No-loan institutions completely remove student loans from financial aid packages offered to eligible students and will include only available scholarships, grants, work-study aid, and other similar components.

That is why before a college or university offers financial aid to a qualified student, the institution must first review the family information submitted by a student via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If the information in the FAFSA application is insufficient, no-loan colleges or universities can also review the College Board’s CSS Profile, another financial aid application portal being run by 300 universities, colleges, and scholarship organizations.

Examples of educational institutions with no-loan financial aid policies are the University of Chicago in Illinois and the Pomona College in California.

According to an annual survey, the recent college graduates of 2020 have to pay total student loans that on the average, amounted to almost $30,000. Due to worries of crippling debt, a lot of incoming college students are not too keen on enrolling in higher education due to college affordability issues.

EdDep Temporarily Halts Student Income Verification Process for Financial Assistance

Posted on July 14, 2021 by Ned Trisha

To help low-income students gain access to financial help that would enable them to enroll in college, the Education Department made temporary changes. The changes aim to reduce the barriers mostly found in the income verification process, which makes it difficult for students with financial needs to qualify for financial aid.

Moreover, the Education Department has noted that enrollment numbers for higher education in colleges are down. Apparently, as a result of the still ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, about 200,000 students of color and from low-income households are encountering difficulty in providing the documentations required in the income verification process.

Rationale Behind the Temporary Suspension of Income Verification Process

Here’s the thing, the income documentation requirements are different for applicants whose household incomes qualify them for tuition fee assistance by way of Pell Grants. However, approval of the tuition fee assistance is subject to verification that requires submission of certain documents such as copies of income tax returns and other proofs of eligibility.

On the other hand, students whose household incomes do not qualify for Pell Grants are excluded from the income verification process. The exclusion makes it easier for this subset of students to easily access other forms of student financial aid.

The income verification system therefore disproportionately burdens low income students, particularly persons of color, considering that the pandemic has been tough on everyone. More so for students who come from low income families.

Richard Cordray, the COO od the Education Department’s Office for Federal Student Aid said it’s imperative for them to provide students with a straightforward approach to acquiring financial aid, to ensure that those greatly in need can carry on with their college enrollment.

Independent, Self-Supporting College Students Eligible To Receive $1.4K Stimulus Checks

Posted on April 10, 2021 by Ned Trisha

The enacted $1.9 trillion relief package has entitled self- supporting students paying more than half of their expenses to receive $1,400 in stimulus checks. This denotes that those shouldering half or less than half of their college expenses are still classified as parent-dependent students and there fore not entitled to the stimulus checks. In such cases, parents or guardians whose income are below the threshold prescribed as a condition for eligibility will be entitled to the $1.4k stimulus relief.

Actually, parents or guardians deemed eligible to receive the stimulus check will receive upmto $1,400 for every dependent child, which they could spend the way they see fit.

What Other Benefits are Available to Independent, Self-Supporting Students?

An independent student is one who files his or her own income tax return annually, even if occasionally asking for financial assistance from his or her parents or guardians. Aside from the stimulus checks, the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan provides other measures that have direct financial impact on college such unemployment insurance and child tax credits.

Indirectly, both independent and dependent college students will benefit from the nearly $40 billion funds allocated to colleges and universities, as half of the funds will be set up as emergency financial aid for students, while the remaining will make way for student debt cancellation.

What Does the American Rescue Plan Mean for the Education Sector

As much as $170 billion of the American Rescue Plan will be allotted specifically to state colleges and universities. The funds will be doled out in the form of endowments to target schools and to a large number of Pell Grant recipients. The recipient schools will then award the endowments to students who have been struggling with their college education due to the pandemic. Students looking to be considered for thr endowments and other financial aid should submit their FAFSA for this school year, since college administrators will be leafing through FAFSA applications.

Hardship Loan Modification : A Financial Solution Available to Victims of Natural Disasters

Posted on March 31, 2021 by Ned Trisha

The heavy flooding in New South Wales this month of March, left many Australians in financial hardship as a result of the damages to property and possessions. While there are financial assistance available to help flood victims recover from the disaster, they also need to seek solutions that would lessen the monthly payments due on their home mortgage and/or car loan, while still working toward financial recovery. One such solution is to negotiate for a hardship loan modification with the lender as a way to prevent one’s loan from going under water as well.

What is a Hardship Loan Modification?

In Australia, there are laws that enable consumers to seek relief from financial distress after sustaining damages caused by a natural calamity. Through a hardship loan modification arrangement, a consumer who purchased items on finance like a car, can negotiate with the loan provider for a temporary pause on payments, or for a reduction of monthly payments

The purpose of a hardship loan modification is to workout an affordable finance that will make monthly loan payment less difficult for the borrower. That way, while going through financial difficulties and working toward improving a financially troubled condition, a borrower will have more time to settle his loan at reduced payments; instead of seeing his loan balloon with the addition of past due interest and penalty charges.

https://youtu.be/gRAVGFVLP80

The National Credit Code and the National Consumer Protection Act of 2009 are examples of laws that empower Australian consumers to negotiate for a hardship variation of a car loan. Moreover there are industry codes that require lenders to work with borrowers seeking for a hardship variation on their car loan.

While lenders cannot refuse to consider an application for a hardship loan modification, they have their own set of standards for determining if a borrower qualifies for approval of such a request. In most cases, lenders require financial documentation as proof to determine if the borrower has real need to have his financial obligation modified.

Some Examples of Hardship Loan Modifications to Negotiate with a Lender

The National Loans Australian gives some examples of hardships loan modifications that a car loan borrower may negotiate with a lending institution. As these are only examples, a lender could offer other options aside from the following:

Extension of the loan term in order to reduce the monthly payments but only for a short duration; along with schedules for gradual increases at some future date until such time that the arrears have been paid.

Reducing the monthly payments without changing the term of the loan, but with larger payments due on some future dates until an up-to-date payment status is achieved.

Hardship Loan Modification is Not the Same as a Loan Refinance

National Loans Australia points out that a hardship loan modification is different from a loan refinancing deal.

A refinance can be negotiated with another lender in case a borrower is not amenable to the modifications offered. Besides, banks and financing institutions usually require partial payment of the principal and interests as part of a refinance scheme. That way, only the remaining balance will go forward under new terms and conditions and with reduced amounts of monthly payments.

Is it Legal to Invest in Bitcoin Using One’s Student Loan?

Posted on February 24, 2021 by Ned Trisha

Sometime in August 2020, “The Student Loan Report” revealed that more than ⅕ of university students had used their student loan to invest in digital currency. Prior and during the period, the bitcoin price was already on an upward trend, as trading prices closed between $9.5k and $11.5k price ranges. Today the current bitcoin price is at the $50k mark, although the previous week sent the BTC price soaring to an all time high of $58K +. Stiil, it denotes that students who are still holding on to the bitcoins purchased last year have already earned for themselves, a passive income with bitcoin.

Passive income by the way means earnings from an asset investment, usually from a rental property,or from a limited business partnership in which a person is a silent investor and not one who is actively involved in the operation of the business. If so, it would be best for students to be on their toes by monitoring the best time for them to convert their bitcoin into fiat money. That way they will be able to realize optimum benefits while there is still passive income in their BTC holdings.

While the U.S. Department of Education, which administers the Federal Student Aid did not pursue investigations in relation to the report, the department nonetheless reiterated guidelines on how student loan recipients should spend money received as funding for college education.

Why No Legal Issues were Raised Against Students Who Used Student Loan Money to Buy BTCs

Based on the general guidelines, funds received as proceeds of student loans are forwarded to the college in which the student is enrolled. The educational institution in turn, will apply the money as payment of enrollment costs. Now the amount received by the college is usually in excess of the enrollment costs, since a certain portion will be used by the student for other educational expenses. The rule though is that students can use the excess funds that way see fit, whether to buy supplies, or purchase clothes or save it for a spring break vacation.

The bottom line is that the portion of the student loan used by students to buy cryptocurrencies were the excess funds that the college administration released as refunds. Technically, investing the excess money in bitcoin was not illegal since students used discretionary funds. Besides, regardless of how they spent the excess money, students will still have to pay the entire amount of student loan they took out as college money.

Secretly Mining for Bitcoins in Dorm Rooms is Illegal

One thing students should not do is to mine for bitcoins using campus electricity being paid for by the educational institution. This was the case sometime in 2018, when the amount of electrical power in college campuses soared, which led to the discovery that some students were secretly mining cryptocurrencies in their dorm. The likeliest punishment on those who found to have been doing so was incarceration for stealing electricity; although not much has been reported about them.

In 2019, The findings were confirmed by research conducted by tech behemoth Cisco, which published a report stating that universities and colleges were the second largest group of miners in the country.

Education Institutions Receive Flexible Funding Under Biden Administration

Posted on February 10, 2021 by Ned Trisha

Through the $1.9 T stimulus fund that Congress passed via a reconciliation process, Biden’s administration will allocate $35 billion to education institutions. President Biden will make good on his promise to the community colleges and the minority-serving institutions like the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).

Additionally, part of the allocation includes supplementary support to students in the amount $1,700 in financial aid in meeting their college expenses. Actually, the $900 billion COVID-19 relief fund approved by the Trump administration last December includes funding for financial assistance to students currently enrolled in higher education levels.

December Coronavirus Relief Fund is Now Available

According to the Education Department the $21.2 billion relief included in the $900 billion COVID-19 relief is now available to higher education students seeking for financial assistance.

As opposed to the previous grants under the CARES ACT, the $21.2 billion fund qualifies more students in becoming eligible to receive emergency student grants. Even universities and colleges will have greater flexibility on how they could spend their respective grant money.

However, it is not sure whether undocumented students are now eligible since they have been disqualified to receive help under the previous administration.

ACE senior VP Terry Hartle and Justin Draeger, president of the NASFAA, under the previous CARES Act, undocumented students not eligible to receive student grants from the CARES Act. Based on their analysis of current guidelines released by the Education Department, there is still no mention whether undocumented students are qualified or not.

Under farmer Education Department Secretary, Betsy Devos, the Education Department insisted that undocumented students did not migrate legally. That being the case, they remain disqualified from receiving andy federal aid in accordance with the federal law.

What if an Injured Party Has Limited Financial Means to File Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Posted on December 4, 2020 by Ned Trisha

In motor vehicle accidents where the driver at fault is clear, claiming payment of damages on the part of the injured party can be fairly quick and simple. Problems arise if the driver at fault refuses to compensate the injured party for medical expenses and related costs of damages sustained due to the accident. The party injured will be forced to take the matter to court in order to assert his legal right to claim compensation for the personal injury. . .

Now here’s the thing, there are instances in which an aggrieved party to a car accident does not have the means to pay for an attorney, much less the related costs of litigation.

While financial aid is not available for this kind of situation, there are attorneys who offer pro bono legal advice and assistance to individuals without financial means, to help them pursue claims for compensation within their jurisdiction. Through a pro bono legal service, the injured party can enforce their right to claim personal injury compensation, usually by way of extra judicial settlement.

However, matters can still get complicated if the errant party still refuses to make an out of court settlement and instead, decides to use his insurance coverage as leverage against any threat of legal action. In knowing that the claimant does not have the financial resources to pay for the related legal expenses, the errant party has a chance of avoiding payment of compensation.

On the part of the defendant’s insurance provider, it is under obligation to pay for the legal expenses until the dispute is resolved in court.

When Litigation Costs Pose as Barrier in Legally Claiming Compensation for Personal Injury

Even if a lawyer offers his services free of charge, there are other legal expenses that make lawsuits too burdensome to pursue. Although a police report can be used as proof In making a legal claim for compensation against the driver at fault, there are other legal expenses to consider. The attorney for the injured party who becomes the plaintiff in a lawsuit, will need more than a police report in proving his client’s legal rights.

The lawyer also has to present witnesses to the incident, including the so-called “expert witness” who can strengthen the case by providing their expertise in analyzing the circumstances surrounding the motor vehicle accident. While footage of a surveillance camera can be helpful if available, it will only be in addition to the accident reconstruction work of professionals engaged in this type of service.

Nonetheless, if the lawyer handling the case knows for a fact that his client’s claim for compensation has merits, his legal advice may include seeking financial assistance by way of a lawsuit loan from a reputable pre settlement financing company.

What is a Lawsuit Loan

A lawsuit loan, sometimes called lawsuit cash advance, settlement funding or lawsuit funding is money provided by a pre settlement financing firm to help individuals in the midst of a personal injury lawsuit see the case flourish in court. Although a lawsuit loan works similarly to a financing arrangement in which the borrower pays interest on the principal loan amount, it is different because payment will be collected from the amount awarded by a court as compensation of the plaintiff, which can be greater than the amount originally sought as compensation.

It is actually a form of investment on the part of the lending firm as the offer comes with a “no-recourse” agreement, which means if the court does not rule in favor of the plaintiff, the pre settlement financing company will not enforce collection of payment but will simply consider it as an investment loss. Learn more about lawsuit loans and how it works from this web page: https://mycaraccidentcashadvance.com/ .

Donations Pour In for Biden Transition as Trump Blocks Federal Funding

Posted on November 16, 2020 by Ned Trisha

With Trump refusing to acknowledge defeat, the federal funds for Biden’s transition team remains inaccessible; but the President-elect appears well-prepared.

As opposed to Trump’s purpose of raising funds to be used mainly for settling unpaid obligations related to his election campaigns, the Biden-Harris team has been raising funds to use for the transition process. The main purpose of which is to proceed with the selection of a core group of people whom Biden will appoint as members of his administration starting January 20, 2021.

Right after Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were proclaimed as President-elect and Vice President-elect, they held Zoom events requesting for donations that will enable the Biden-transition team to move forward with the legal processes. That way, the newly elected president can have a smooth transition into office as President of the United States (POTUS).

As Trump continues with his self-serving action, the Biden-Harris team refuses to be cowed by the lame duck politician as doing so will only put the American people at a disadvantage. Technically, Donald Trump is already on AWOL as he has been spending most of his time at the golf course, whilst continuously proclaiming victory via tweets; still ignoring the worsening health crisis faced by the American public and the economic hardships brought on by the pandemic.

Trump-in-Denial Continues to Disregard the Presidential Transition Act of 1963

As it is, the General Services Administration under Trump is slowing down, if not blocking, the release of $9.9 million in transition funds due to the incoming Biden administration.

The release of the funds are actually mandated under the Presidential Transition Act of 1963, which directs the GSA to provide the President-elect and his transition team with facilities and services, including office space and equipment, as well as funds to use as payment of expenses related to traditional and legal transition procedures.

The Biden-Harris Fundraising Events Have Already Surpassed the Goal

According to the people handling the funds, the Biden-Harris transition team has collected more than their original goal of $7 million as of November 6. With the donations, they were able to employ legislative affairs groups that act as assistants to Biden nominees when they face confirmation hearings at the Senate.

One of Biden’s donors, who has been active in helping the Biden-Harris team attain the target goal of $7 million, is Ms. Penny Pritzker, who, according to reports, has a net worth of 2 billion dollars. Ms. Pritzker was the former Secretary of Commerce during Obama administration and a close relative of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.

According to a November 06 update, the funds raised has already surpassed the $7 million mark, as donors who have contributed funds for the Biden-Harris transition team, include an assortment of media and public relations executives, lobbyists, Wall Street financiers and lobbyists.

USDA Rectifies Exclusion of Specialty Crops From Coronavirus Relief

Posted on August 13, 2020 by Ned Trisha

Last July, the USDA announced that more than 40 specialty crops previously excluded from the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), will become qualified. Finally, on August 11, the USDA released a complete list of more than 40 specialty farm commodities and has given advice that the department’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is currently accepting applications up to September 11, 2020.

Specialty crop farmers whose CFAP applications were denied, have to file new applications. Crop producers who qualified to receive CFAP financial assistance based on qualified conditions , but seeking to acquire funding for specialty crops that have become eligible, do not have to file a new application. They only need to get in touch with their local FSA and request for the amendment of their application.

A complete list is available at the USDA’s FSA website, to which some examples of the specialty crops added include but are not limited to: alfalfa sprouts, almonds, artichokes, anise, apples, cilantro, collards, coriander, garlic, grapefruit, eggplant, guava, greens, dandelion, leeks, lemon, leeks, lettuce, onions and more.

Whereas before, the USDA approved CFAP applications for specialty crops only if the need for relief is due to the following:

The specialty crops had suffered a 5% or more decline in price, from mid-January to mid-April, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although applications based on this reason will still be considered, specialty crop producers may be requested to present bills of sale as proofs in support of such claims.

Specialty crop producers who suffered losses due to spoiled shipment after the pandemic had closed down their marketing channel. However, producers may be requested to submit documentation as proof of non-payment or obtain from the intended buyer a written explanation for the non-payment.

Specialty crop that were already for shipments but failed to leave the farms, or remained unharvested and unsold for lack of marketing channel, as a result of the COVID-19 lockdowns. However, the USDA said may request supporting documentations when assessing substantial claims on a cases-by-case basis.

What are Specialty Crops?

The oversight in granting direct payment was mainly due to the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 of the Farm Bill. to which the legal definition of specialty crops refers to “Fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, horticulture, floriculture, and nursery crops.

To be considered as specialty crops, the produce must have been cultivated, managed and used by individuals for purposes of producing food supplements, non-lab medicines and for aesthetic gratification or enhancement. When used as ingredients of processed products, the special substance must constitute more than 50% of the specialty crop in terms of weight without its added water content.

Part of the oversight was that majority of the specially crops are currently being cultivated, managed and sold by young Americans who became first generation farmers, as well as farmers of color. As a result, many were automatically excluded by the CFAP system.

Nonetheless, the matter was brought to the attention of the USDA by The National Young Farmers Coalition, which estimated that about three-quarters of the their members had also experienced lost sales after the COVID-19 measures resulted to closures of restaurants, specialty shops and farmers markets.

Coronavirus Forbearance of Student Loans

Posted on April 26, 2020 by Ned Trisha

The U.S. Dept. of Education recently published information about student loan forbearance in response to the impact of the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

The Coronavirus and Forbearance is in connection with the Congress-approved CARES Act, signed into law by president Donald Trump last March 27, 2020 The law includes broad relief for borrowers who have been granted federal student loans. The CARES Act has automatically placed student borrowings under administrative forbearance, which means students and/or parents are allowed to temporarily stop making monthly payments on educational loans, up to September 30, 2020.

Although the CARES Act was enacted March 27, 2020, the date of effectivity for the suspension of payments was made retroactive from March 13, 2020.

The FUTURE Act and the Differences It Will Make to the 2020 Financial Aid Onward

Posted on January 13, 2020 by Ned Trisha

The FUTURE Act or the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education Act is a bipartisan bill proposed and approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and subsequently ratified as law by president Donald Trump in December 19, 2019.

The new law, permanently provides the Education Department, $255 million in annual mandatory funding for Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), which previously was made available annually for only up to two years.

Starting 2020, the permanent MSI funding denotes that related institutions will receive a continuing stream of financial aid to award to undergraduates taking up Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

The Future Act Also Simplifies the FAFSA

Corollary to the approval of the permanent MSI financial aid funding, the FUTURE Act also allows direct data sharing between the Education Department (ED) and the Internal Revenue Service.

The data-sharing system intends to streamline and simplify the processing of financial aid application or FAFSA. It replaced the previous system in which student-applicants or their parents have to retrieve their tax information from the IRS, and then include such information in the FAFSA.

The FAFSA simplification, through the data-sharing system suggests that verification of tax return information will be undertaken by authorized ED officials, as they will have access to tax information data shared by the IRS. The authorized ED official will then use the accessed data in determining the eligibility of the applicant for the amount applied for as Federal student financial aid.

Since the existing Internal Revenue Code (IRC) does not permit the IRS to share taxpayer information with the ED, the FUTURE Act, also includes an amendment to section 6103(l) of the IRC.

The amendment will have the IRS and the ED use a Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) as a means of sharing and accessing certain IRS tax information.

Use of the Data Retrieval Tool

The allowable information available and accessible via the DRT will include the applicant’s or parent-applicant’s taxpayer filing status, indicating whether the taxpayer concerned had filed a tax return; and whether the applicant filed a lettered tax schedule.

The data-sharing approach and the DRT also aim to improve the accuracy of information related to the payment of federal student aid programs. Under normal circumstances, it presumably removes the risks of fraud related to income-driven repayment plans applicable to self-certified income; as well as reduces the occurrences of improper student debt payments.

In light of the improved accuracy that the IRS-ED data sharing system will bring to the Federal financial aid programs, Senate leaders are confident that the federal government can pay for permanent MSI funding; using as funding resource, the I2.8 billion savings estimated by the Congressional Budget Office.

FAFSA Filing Season is Now Open – The Importance of Filing as Early as Possible

Posted on October 17, 2019 by Ned Trisha

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA filing season for the 2020-2021 school year, opened last October 01, 2019. Those intending to apply for financial aid to pay for college education should complete and submit their
FAFSA as early as possible.

Although the FAFSA filing cycle goes on for a period of 18 months from the October 01 starting date, completing an application sooner than the June 30, 2019 deadline is the best way to increase one’s chances of securing financial assistance.

First off, it should be clear that financial aid is college education money that does not have to be repaid. Although nearly all FAFSA applicants qualify for some form of financial help, most need-based aid and grants are awarded by states on a first-come-first-serve basis.

According to a recent report from Sallie Mae (SML Corp.), the private lending company that handles loans availed by college students, around eight (8) in every ten (10) American families seek for financial aid through scholarships and grants. Yet more than half of those families were constrained to take out student loans. This suggests that most need-based applicants had missed out on free financial aid offered by the federal government, by the state and/ or by different private sectors.

It is also important to know every state reserves the right to set a deadline that may be earlier than the federally prescribed end of the 18-month FAFSA season.

FAFSA State Deadlines for School Year 2020 – 2021

In some states like Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico,Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming, seekers of college education financial aid must first check with their state’s Federal Student Aid Administrator, as the deadline may be dependent on some other documents required by the state government.

Other states give advice for applicants to submit as early as possible after October 01, because the available financial grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until depleted. The list includes Alaska, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont and Washington.

Some U.S. regions specifically set a FAFSA deadline for priority considerations. This denotes that those who submitted after the deadline and after the priority applicants have been served, can still apply until the end of the FAFSA season. States that maintain deadlines for priority listing include Connecticut, District of Columbia, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Texas

States with Specific FAFSA Deadlines:

California — March 02, 2020 for most state financial aid programs:

Delaware — April 15, 2020, by midnight CT.

Florida — May 15, 2020 (date processed).

Iowa — July 1, 2020, by midnight CT.

Louisiana — July 1, 2021 (recommended).

Maine – May 1, 2020, by midnight CT.

Maryland – March 1, 2020, by midnight CT.

Michigan – March 1, 2020, by midnight CT.

Minnesota – 30 days after term starts, by midnight CT.

Mississippi – June 1, 2020, by midnight CT.

New Jersey – April 15, 2020, by midnight CT

New York – June 30, 2021, by midnight CT. Additional forms might be required.

Ohio – Oct. 1, 2020, by midnight CT.

Pennsylvania – Aug. 1, 2020, by midnight CT

Tennessee – Feb. 1, 2020.

West Virginia – March 1, 2020.

Senior Citizens Going Back to College, Consider Grants for Non-Traditional Students

Posted on October 7, 2019 by Ned Trisha

About a decade ago, going back to college was a popular feature of senior citizen retirement plans. In 2007, the National Center for Education Statistics had tracked a steady increase in the number of older adults ranging in ages between 50 and 64, who went back to higher educational institutions to pursue a degree. About 625,000 seniors went back to college in 2007, which peaked to as many as 8.9 million by the year 2010.

However, the years thereafter saw the numbers started going on a continuous decline.

Presumably, the effects of the 2008-2009 Great Recession took a toll on the economic resources of older adults; making it impossible for the next wave of retirement-eligible seniors to include going back to college as a future plan.

Due to this, higher education authorities saw the need to focus on the needs of older college students. In the Hechinger Report published by a non-profit news organization that gives attention to inequality in education, Mark Kantrowitz, SVP and publisher of Edvisors.com said

”Most older adults assume that just because they are no longer 17 years old, or are not working, they do not qualify for financial aid,”

Financial Aid Available to Older Adults Seeking to Continue and Complete Higher Education

Senior citizens planning to go back to college should know that there are several financial aid packages available to them. Be it federal, state, or private grants, older adults should explore financial aid under the non-traditional students category.

Federal Grants – Information about federal grants can be accessed by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is the initial step to determining the federal grant that best suits one’s financial need.

State Grants – All state governments receive federal funding in the form of block grants, or grant-in-aid in specific amounts. State and local authorities allocate them as grants for various programs; including providing support to both traditional and non-traditional students needing financial assistance.

Private Grants – Public and private colleges and universities are likewise important sources of financial aid available to older adults. Most of which are endowments coming from private individuals or foundations. Seniors can find out about current non-traditional educational grants by inquiring from the institution’s Financial Aid office.

Cashing Out the Equity Value of an Owned-Property as an Additional Source of Funding

Although educational grants can help older adults pay for college tuition, pursuing a degree gives rise to other expenses that could eat away money allotted for basic needs.

One way by which senior citizens can augment their economic resources is by cashing in on the value of their property. This can be done by taking out a loan against an owned-home, but without being burdened with monthly payments to settle the obligation.

An equity release though is available to older adults aged 55 or above who currently live in an owned-home. That is because the financing scheme works on the principle that a real estate usually appreciates in value.

The total amount due as payment for the cash borrowed can be deferred upon the sale of the property held as collateral. Selling transpires once the senior borrower passes away; or has entered an assisted living facility.

However senior citizens should take note of the costs they have to shoulder before they can close an equity release deal. As the expenditures include various fees such as legal, valuation, processing, consultation and/or completion fees, as well as building insurance, it would be best to get a hold of an equity release calculator cost determinator, before agreeing to a lender’s offer.

Understanding the Importance of GPA: Why It Can Impact Your Financial Aid

Posted on August 14, 2019 by Ned Trisha

GPA, which stands for for Grade Point Average is a standard method of measuring the academic achievement of a student in the U.S. for both secondary and college levels.

A satisfactory GPA in addition to other requirements asked for by an educational institution, presents a gauge of satisfactory academic performance. It is an important basis not only for for college admission but also in seeking financial aid to complete a course in higher education.

This denotes that a student who was able to secure financial assistance must strive to maintain a GPA considered as acceptable by institutions involved in awarding financial support. Otherwise, failure to maintain a GPA at the required satisfactory level can result to losing the financial support counted on as means of completing a college degree or course.

Ways to Avoid Losing College Financial Aid as a Result of Unsatisfactory GPA

The moment a student enrolls in college or university that facilitated the granting of a financial aid, it is important for that student to familiarize him or herself with the standards required by the institution. That is because standards of satisfactory progress depends on the policies outlined by the college or university in which a student is enrolled.

Another important matter to keep in mind is that the calculation of a student’s GPA at high school level, is different at college level. The A to F grading system, when given an equivalent score using a 4-point scale still depends on the number of units represented by each course.

When speaking of number of units, also known as course credits, it refers to the number of hours of lecture and homework devoted by a student every week to complete a subject during a school year or semester.

Number of units is usually three in every secondary level course. Yet this is not always the case in college courses, because course credits or number of units could vary even by a fraction. Variations in number of units or course credits therefore can affect a GPA that a student presumed as already satisfactory.

Knowing how to calculate one’s GPA can help in raising one’s awareness of whether he or she is on track, or falling below the standard required by the educational institution.

The most important action that can help a student maintain satisfactory academic progress is to communicate to financial aid officers, advisers and professors any problems encountered in relation to one’s academic endeavours.

As a rule, colleges and universities notify students if it seems they are at risk of failing to meet the satisfactory academic progress required by the school. That way, the students will have time to seek consultations on out-of-the ordinary problems that may be preventing a student from maintaining satisfactory academic performance that is necessary in keeping one’s financial aid intact.

Student Financial Aid : A Solution to Higher Education When Chosen Wisely

Posted on June 15, 2019 by Ned Trisha

Receiving student financial aid is an important solution to problems faced by prospective college or university students. Yet more often than not, student loans also pose as additional stressors once financially indebted students actually enter life on campus. While they go through feelings of desolation by being away from home and family, students are also faced with difficulties in coping with new situations and with different kinds of people, and most of all, with tougher academic requirements.

Dr. Victor Schwartz of The Jed Foundation, a non-profit organization formed to provide protection and emotional health support to adolescents and young adults, opines that financial struggles affect different aspects of a student’s life on campus. Simple things such as food availability and housing security may be provided with solutions by taking on multiple jobs. As they struggle to balance those with academics, they are not getting enough rest or sleep. All of which leads to physical stress and mental anxiety.

Currently, several Democratic presidential candidates are promising education reforms regarding free college tuition, and of eliminating student debts altogether. In the meantime, since they are still political promises that may or may not be fulfilled, university and college students have to face the reality that their struggles continue.

Students Likely to be Hit with Mental Health Problems

Apparently, students coming from low income families who view college education as a way of improving their status in life are the most affected. Although student financial loans give them a chance to fulfill their aspirations, visions about a better future becomes blurred once the toll of financial and academic struggles affect their mental well being. After all, how they fare with their higher learning will affect their chances of landing higher-paying jobs once they complete their college education.

Often times, students who rely on a combination of academic scholarships and student loans become vulnerable to feelings of anxiety and depression. Not a few are aware that they are already experiencing mental health problems that require professional counselling. As they try to cope with both academic and financial struggles on their own, their anxiety about the future worsens, making them doubt altogether whether or not the future will be worth all the trouble they are currently going through.

Choosing the Right Educational Institution by Looking Into Those that Provide Sufficient and Proper Student Support Services

The Jed Foundation recommends that one way of alleviating and avoiding anxiety over student financial aid loans, is to choose from educational institutions wisely. The foundation forewarns that for-profit colleges are likely to have fewer mental health services to offer as support, when compared to private schools or colleges that are part of a large system that receives funding support.

Still, such may not always be the case. University Primetime, a popular source of higher education news gathered statistical data in analyzing the rising rates of depression in campuses. Based on their statistical analysis and survey, college news website released a list of educational institutions in which cases of depression among students are high.

The published list named the University of California, Berkeley, New York University, Cornell University, Duke University and the Pennsylvania State University, as the top five higher education institutions in which mental health issues are becoming prevalent. A problem that most universities and colleges must address by improving the mental health services made available to students.

FAFSA4caster : Estimating Your Financial Aid Need and Eligibility

Posted on April 27, 2019 by Ned Trisha

The FAFSA4caster is an online tool that high school students can use when anticipating their need for financial assistance upon entering college.

It is an online calculator provided by the Federal Student Aid Office to students such as those in junior or mid school level, and to parents who are not sure if they have the means to send their child to college. The FAFSA4caster is the next best tool to use to get a close enough estimate of a student’s eligibility for financial aid.

Knowing that the government calculates financial need by deducting the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the Cost of Attendance (COA) is a good start. However, having a near accurate estimation of the inputs to use for the formula, is better than making a wild guesstimate. Through the FAFSA4caster tool, an anticipating high school student or parent can obtain better estimates of the COA and EFC.

How does the FAFSA4caster Work?

The FAFSA4caster displays a worksheet that must be filled with the Cost of Attendance (COA), such as tuition fees, other educational expenses and living costs of the student’s chosen school. To get the information you need, go to the College Scorecard page of the U.S. DepEd.

A household’s potential financial contribution, on the other hand, can be estimated by providing answers to the FAFSA4caster questionnaire that determines financial capability of a potential college student. Here, it is important that all questions will be given answers even if based on near-enough guesses or estimates. Be ready with some personal records as some questions need answers based on personal documents such as bank statements or federal tax returns.

After which, the tool will display several sources of college funds, whilst indicating eligibility for federal financial aid like Pell Grant, Direct Subsidized or Direct Unsubsidized Loan, or Federal Work-Study program. If there are any state aid or college financial assistance that a student or parent considers as potential source of college funding, fill in the appropriate worksheet fields with the amounts.

Hitting the “Calculate” button will summarize the total anticipated College Attendance Cost, and the total potential financial aid. The resulting difference between those 2 sums will be Net Cost of Attending College. The Worksheet will also generate the Expected Family Contribution.

Since the goal is to determine a student’s financial need, apply the amounts generated by the FAFSA4caster as Total Cost of Attendance (COA) and Expected Family Contribution (EFC) for the government formula: COA – EFC = Student’s Financial Aid Need.

Know the Basic Eligibility Criteria When Applying for a US Dep Ed Financial Student Aid via FAFSA

Posted on March 29, 2019 by Ned Trisha

When making plans to apply for federal student aid, the first thing to learn about is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or better known as FAFSA. This is a free form provided online by the U.S. Department of Education, which administers the different types of federal student aid offered by the government.

Create an FSA ID to Access the FAFSA

An applicant must first register with the Federal Student Aid (FSA) U.S DepEd website to create a password-protected user account. The FSA ID serves as a single signing-in identification when accessing the FAFSA document and other financial aid pages of the U.S. DepEd customer-facing website. Once an FSA ID account has been created, an applicant can now access and fill up the FAFSA form.

Basic Eligibility Requirements to Qualify for Financial Student Aid

In evaluating a FAFSA, the FSA US DepEd will look into the following information to determine if an applicant is eligible to receive Financial Student Aid.

Financial Need

A demonstration of financial need is necessary, when applying for a Direct Subsidized Loan that provides financial assistance to undergraduate students seeking to enroll in a college or career institution. Here, a student must specify the significant reason why his or her family cannot afford to pay for college or career education. Examples of reason include loss of a parent, or loss of employment either by the student or by the breadwinner of the family.

To further demonstrate one’s financial incapacity, statements must include descriptions of the student’s job or of a parent’s employment, about schooling of other siblings, and discussion of any unexpected expenses of the family. All of which will make clear the direct impact of the cost of higher learning on the family’s overall income. Take note not to make false statements because any that has been verified as falsehood is punishable.

U.S. Citizenship or Eligibility as Non-Citizen Residing in the U.S.

A birth certificate showing that the applicant is a natural born U.S. citizen suffices as proof of U.S. citizenship.

On the other, a non-citizen may be documented by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS, by way of a “green card” such as a Resident Card, Resident Alien Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card. Other non-citizen types like refugees, asylum seekers or other legally recognized entrants will have either an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94), or a T-Visa, and a certification letter issued to them by the USCIS as proof of approved entry.

Other Basic Requirements

* Valid Social Security Card/Number (not applicable to nationals of Marshall Islands, Micronesia, or Palau).

* High school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate;

* Male applicants aged 18 to 25 must be registered with Selective Service;

* Has enrolled or already accepted as enrollee for an eligible degree or certificate program and must be enrolled at least half-time as a regular student.

* Has maintained satisfactory academic performance in college or career institute.

* Must be able to certify the portion of the FAFSA stating that he or she (student) is not in default of any federal student loan or has no financial obligation under the federal student grant.

Needless to say, inability to satisfy or complete any of the basic eligibility requirements stalls the processing of an application for financial student aid at the very onset.

Financial Aid