Pell and FEMA grants are programs administered by the federal government. Both provide funds to those in need but that is where their similarity ends. Pell grants provide money to help pay for a higher education. FEMA grants provide financial assistance after a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or tornado.
Pell Grants
A Pell grant is financial assistance, awarded to an undergraduate student, to help with college tuition and fees. Pell grants are not loans and do not need to be re-paid. The student must not have previously earned a higher education degree and must demonstrate financial need. The maximum award for the July 2011 to June 2012 academic year is $5,550. How much a student actually receives will be based upon need, school expenses and student status, such as part-time or full-time student.
Eligibility for a Pell Grant
Students who had a parent or guardian die in military action in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001 automatically qualify for the maximum award if they are under 24 and enrolled in college at the time of death. For other students, completion of the Free Application For Student Financial Aid is required and the amount of the grant will be dependent on financial need. The student has a choice of having the funds paid directly to the school, to themselves or a combination of the two.
FEMA Grants - Disaster
FEMA grants are money or assistance for individuals and businesses that have expenses and losses due to a natural disaster that insurance won't cover. The grants provide emergency housing by paying for temporary housing, money to repair a home to make it safe and functional or money to replace a destroyed home. FEMA grants can also cover the costs of medical expenses, if related to the disaster. Other items that could qualify for funding include clothing, furniture and appliances, cleaning tools, such as wet vacuums, dehumidifiers and vehicle replacement.
FEMA Grants - Emergency Preparedness
FEMA also provides grants to emergency personnel, such as police, firefighters and paramedics for training to prepare for a disaster. Funds can be used for disaster planning, training and for the purchase and maintenance of emergency equipment.
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