SECTION 22.206. Hardship Provisions

(a) In the event of a hardship, the Program Officer at an eligible institution may allow an otherwise eligible student to receive a grant under the following conditions:

(1) while enrolled in fewer semester credit hours than required in §22.203(5) of this subchapter (relating to Eligible Students);

(2) if the student fails to meet the satisfactory academic progress requirements of §22.203(6) of this subchapter (relating to Eligible Students);

(3) if the student requires an extension of the limits found in §22.205(c) of this subchapter (relating to Discontinuation of Eligibility or Non-Eligibility) to complete his or her degree; or

(4) if the student has attempted more hours than allowed under §22.205(d) of this subchapter (relating to Discontinuation of Eligibility or Non-Eligibility). However, the total number of hours paid for, at least in part, with grant funds may not exceed 150 semester credit hours or the equivalent.

(b) Hardships are not limited to, but include:

(1) a showing of a severe illness or other debilitating condition that may affect the student's academic performance;

(2) an indication that the student is responsible for the care of a sick, injured, or needy person and that the student's provision of care may affect his or her academic performance; or

(3) the requirement of fewer than twelve hours to complete one's degree plan.

(c) The Program Officer may allow a student to receive a grant after the time limits described in Section 22.203(8) (relating to Eligible Students) if the student and/or the student's family has suffered a hardship that would now make the student rank as one of the institution's neediest.

(d) Documentation justifying the eligibility granted through the hardship provisions outlined in this rule must be kept in the student's file. Each institution must identify to the Coordinating Board those students granted eligibility through hardship provisions so that the Coordinating Board may appropriately monitor each student's period of eligibility.

(e) Each participating institution shall adopt a hardship policy under this section and have the policy available in writing in the financial aid office for public review upon request.

Source Note: The provisions of this §22.206 adopted to be effective February 15, 2024, 49 TexReg 683