Help CenterIndividuals must submit documentation to aid ADEA in determining their Fee Assitance (FAP) eligibility. To be eligible, the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) must be at or below 300% of the 2025 U.S. poverty guidelines, as determined by the tax forms submitted. If multiple tax forms are submitted (for example, self and parent), the AGI should be combined and both must be less than 300% of the 2025 U.S. poverty guidelines.
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2026 ADEA FAP Eligibility |
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Persons in family/household |
2025 Poverty Guideline* |
ADEA's Guideline |
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1 |
$15,650 |
$46,950 |
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2 |
$21,150 |
$63,450 |
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3 |
$26,650 |
$79,950 |
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4 |
$32,150 |
$96,450 |
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5 |
$37,650 |
$112,950 |
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6 |
$43,150 |
$129,450 |
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7 |
$48,650 |
$145,950 |
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8 |
$54,150 |
$162,450 |
For families/households with more than eight persons, add $5,500 for each additional person.
*Reference: US Department of Health and Human Services
While relevant documentation may be different for each individual, they typically include:
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1. Tax Documentation A. IRS Form 1040 Federal Tax Return A 2025 Form 1040 Tax Return filed with the IRS. The document must display the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). ADEA FAP does not need schedules or forms associated with the tax return. This document must have been filed with the IRS. For more information on Form 1040 tax returns: irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040 B. W-2 or 1099 Form The W-2 Wage and Tax Statement form is the document an employer sends to employees and the IRS at the end of the calendar year. A W-2 reports an employee’s annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paychecks. In some cases, an individual may have a 1099 instead of a W-2; a 1099 form is used by independent contractors and to report other income.
Submit a Form 1040 form AND W-2 or 1099 for: A. Self (if earned money and filed taxes in 2025) B. Spouse (if married, and the spouse earned money and filed taxes in 2025) C. Guardian (if listed as dependent, and parent/guardian earned money and filed in 2025) *Individuals must submit at least one set of U.S. tax documents. If no tax documents are available for the individual and/or their parent/guardian(s), if applicable, the individual is not eligible for FAP. |
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2. Financial Aid Information A. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Submissions Summary When you complete your FAFSA, a Student Aid Index (SAI) and estimated Federal Pell Grant amount will be provided. Individuals enrolled in school who did not receive financial aid for the 2025-26 academic year are required to provide a letter from their institution stating the student did not receive financial aid for the academic year. This letter must be on the institution’s letterhead and signed by a representative in the financial aid office. Individuals not enrolled in school in 2025-26 must submit an explanation in the FAP application but do not need to submit documentation.
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3. Additional earnings in 2025 Individuals must disclose all additional earnings acquired during 2025. This may include sources such as Social Security, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), veteran’s benefits, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), housing subsidies, child support, alimony, spousal maintenance (inclusive of monthly income, food, and housing allowances), among others. Required documentation for these earnings should include dates eligible and the amount received.
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4. Other Circumstances in 2025 Individuals can provide documentation of extenuating circumstances in 2025 to provide context to their application.
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All documentation must be combined into one file to submit with the FAP application.