As you work toward making amends for your drug crimes in New Jersey you may spend time thinking about your future. You may desire to return to school and continue your education so you can get a good job.
Whether you were previously a recipient of federal student aid or not, having a drug charge on your record could affect your eligibility to apply for FAFSA. Understanding the requirements to have that eligibility reinstated can help you identify what you need to do to get back into school as soon as possible.
Two options for reinstatement
There are a couple of options you may consider to have your eligibility reinstated. According to the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid, your two options include the following:
- Successfully passing two unannounced drug tests
- Participating in and completing an approved drug rehabilitation program
The sooner you can show your successful completion of one of the aforementioned requirements, you can petition to have your eligibility reinstated. From here, you can reapply for FAFSA and follow protocols to receive your approved benefits.
Addressing your charges
When the time comes to reapply for FAFSA benefits, you will need to answer a question on the application regarding your drug history. Answering yes to whether or not you have any drug charges will direct you to an additional document to fill out. This document allows you to provide more context about your situation so officials can verify your eligibility to continue applying for benefits.
Remember that if your drug crime occurred while you were collecting FAFSA benefits, you may face repercussions including a requirement to repay any funds you utilized during that time.
