FUNDING FOCUS: EDUCATION
Community College Tuition Waiver for Students with Disabilities Receiving SSI or SSDI
Who may apply: Students receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
How to apply: Complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov. For State aid consideration, complete and submit the FAFSA by March 1 each year. Contact the financial aid office of the community college you will attend to have the waiver activated.
When to apply: To be included in consideration of State aid, file the FAFSA between January 1 and March 1, each year.
Eligible programs or courses: Degree or Certificate programs designed to lead to employment, and continuing education instruction designed to lead to employment, including life skills instruction.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Any student receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is eligible to apply for this waiver. You must provide proof from the Social Security Administration (SSA) of receiving SSI or SSDI benefits.
WAIVER AMOUNT
You are exempt from paying tuition at community colleges in Maryland for up to 12 credits per semester if you are taking classes as part of a degree or a certificate program designed to lead to employment. The waiver is limited to 6 credits if you are enrolled in community college credit courses for any other reason. A course must have at least 10 enrolled students for the waiver to apply.
The tuition waiver applies to any balance on tuition after any grants and scholarships you receive have been applied to your tuition and fees. You are responsible for all other costs associated with the courses, such as books.
RENEWING A WAIVER
You must request the waiver every time you enroll and file an annual FAFSA. For State aid consideration, complete and submit the FAFSA by March 1 each year.