§1087vv. Definitions

As used in this part:

(a) Total income

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the term "total income" is equal to adjusted gross income plus untaxed income and benefits for the preceding tax year minus excludable income (as defined in subsection (e) of this section).

(2) No portion of any student financial assistance received from any program by an individual, no portion of a national service educational award or post-service benefit received by an individual under title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 12511 et seq.], and no portion of any tax credit taken under section 25A of title 26, shall be included as income or assets in the computation of expected family contribution for any program funded in whole or in part under this chapter.

(b) Untaxed income and benefits

The term "untaxed income and benefits" means-

(1) child support received;

(2) welfare benefits, including assistance under a State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.] and aid to dependent children;

(3) workman's compensation;

(4) veterans' benefits such as death pension, dependency, and indemnity compensation, but excluding veterans' education benefits as defined in subsection (c) of this section;

(5) interest on tax-free bonds;

(6) housing, food, and other allowances (excluding rent subsidies for low-income housing) for military, clergy, and others (including cash payments and cash value of benefits);

(7) cash support or any money paid on the student's behalf, except, for dependent students, funds provided by the student's parents;

(8) the amount of earned income credit claimed for Federal income tax purposes;

(9) untaxed portion of pensions;

(10) credit for Federal tax on special fuels;

(11) the amount of foreign income excluded for purposes of Federal income taxes;

(12) untaxed social security benefits;

(13) payments to individual retirement accounts and Keogh accounts excluded from income for Federal income tax purposes; and

(14) any other untaxed income and benefits, such as Black Lung Benefits, Refugee Assistance, railroad retirement benefits, or benefits received through participation in employment and training activities under title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 [29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.].

(c) Veteran and veterans' education benefits

(1) The term "veteran" means any individual who-

(A) has engaged in the active duty in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard; and

(B) was released under a condition other than dishonorable.

(2) The term "veterans' education benefits" means veterans' benefits the student will receive during the award year, including but not limited to the following:

(A) Title 10, chapter 2: Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship.

(B) Title 10, chapter 106: Selective Reserve.

(C) Title 10, chapter 107: Selective Reserve Educational Assistance Program.

(D) Title 37, chapter 2: Reserve Officer Training Corps Program.

(E) Title 38, chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill-active duty.

(F) Title 38, chapter 31: vocational rehabilitation.

(G) Title 38, chapter 32: Post-Vietnam Era Veterans' Educational Assistance Program.

(H) Title 38, chapter 35: Dependents Educational Assistance Program.

(I) Public Law 97–376, section 156: Restored Entitlement Program for Survivors (or Quayle benefits).

(J) Public Law 96–342, section 903: Educational Assistance Pilot Program.

(d) Independent student

The term "independent", when used with respect to a student, means any individual who-

(1) is 24 years of age or older by December 31 of the award year;

(2) is an orphan or ward of the court or was a ward of the court until the individual reached the age of 18;

(3) is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States (as defined in subsection (c)(1) of this section);

(4) is a graduate or professional student;

(5) is a married individual;

(6) has legal dependents other than a spouse; or

(7) is a student for whom a financial aid administrator makes a documented determination of independence by reason of other unusual circumstances.

(e) Excludable income

The term "excludable income" means-

(1) any student financial assistance awarded based on need as determined in accordance with the provisions of this part, including any income earned from work under part C of subchapter I of chapter 34 of title 42;

(2) any living allowance received by a participant in a program established under the National and Community Service Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 12501 et seq.];

(3) child support payments made by the student or parent; and

(4) payments made and services provided under part E of title IV of the Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 670 et seq.].

(f) Assets

(1) The term "assets" means cash on hand, including the amount in checking and savings accounts, time deposits, money market funds, trusts, stocks, bonds, other securities, mutual funds, tax shelters, and the net value of real estate, income producing property, and business and farm assets.

(2) With respect to determinations of need under this subchapter and part C of subchapter I of chapter 34 of title 42, other than for subpart 4 of part A of this subchapter, the term "assets" shall not include the net value of-

(A) the family's principal place of residence; or

(B) a family farm on which the family resides.

(g) Net assets

The term "net assets" means the current market value at the time of application of the assets (as defined in subsection (f) of this section), minus the outstanding liabilities or indebtedness against the assets.

(h) Treatment of income taxes paid to other jurisdictions

(1) The tax on income paid to the Governments of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or Palau under the laws applicable to those jurisdictions, or the comparable tax paid to the central government of a foreign country, shall be treated as Federal income taxes.

(2) References in this part to title 26, Federal income tax forms, and the Internal Revenue Service shall, for purposes of the tax described in paragraph (1), be treated as references to the corresponding laws, tax forms, and tax collection agencies of those jurisdictions, respectively, subject to such adjustments as the Secretary may provide by regulation.

(i) Current balance

The term "current balance of checking and savings accounts" does not include any funds over which an individual is barred from exercising discretion and control because of the actions of any State in declaring a bank emergency due to the insolvency of a private deposit insurance fund.

(j) Other financial assistance; tuition prepayment plans

(1) For purposes of determining a student's eligibility for funds under this subchapter and part C of subchapter I of chapter 34 of title 42, estimated financial assistance not received under this subchapter and part C of subchapter I of chapter 34 of title 42 shall include all scholarships, grants, loans, or other assistance known to the institution at the time the determination of the student's need is made, including veterans' education benefits as defined in subsection (c) of this section, and national service educational awards or post-service benefits under title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 [42 U.S.C. 12511 et seq.].

(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), for purposes of determining a student's eligibility for funds under this subchapter and part C of subchapter I of chapter 34 of title 42, tuition prepayment plans shall reduce the cost of attendance (as determined under section 1087ll of this title) by the amount of the prepayment, and shall not be considered estimated financial assistance.

(B) If the institutional expense covered by the prepayment must be part of the student's cost of attendance for accounting purposes, the prepayment shall be considered estimated financial assistance.

(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a tax credit taken under section 25A of title 26 shall not be treated as estimated financial assistance for purposes of section 1087kk(3) of this title.

(k) Dependents

(1) Except as otherwise provided, the term "dependent of the parent" means the student, dependent children of the student's parents, including those children who are deemed to be dependent students when applying for aid under this subchapter and part C of subchapter I of chapter 34 of title 42, and other persons who live with and receive more than one-half of their support from the parent and will continue to receive more than half of their support from the parent during the award year.

(2) Except as otherwise provided, the term "dependent of the student" means the student's dependent children and other persons (except the student's spouse) who live with and receive more than one-half of their support from the student and will continue to receive more than half of their support from the student during the award year.

(l) Family size

(1) In determining family size in the case of a dependent student-

(A) if the parents are not divorced or separated, family members include the student's parents, and the dependents of the student's parents including the student;

(B) if the parents are divorced or separated, family members include the parent whose income is included in computing available income and that parent's dependents, including the student; and

(C) if the parents are divorced and the parent whose income is so included is remarried, or if the parent was a widow or widower who has remarried, family members also include, in addition to those individuals referred to in subparagraph (B), the new spouse and any dependents of the new spouse if that spouse's income is included in determining the parents' adjusted available income.

(2) In determining family size in the case of an independent student-

(A) family members include the student, the student's spouse, and the dependents of the student; and

(B) if the student is divorced or separated, family members do not include the spouse (or ex-spouse), but do include the student and the student's dependents.

(m) Business assets

The term "business assets" means property that is used in the operation of a trade or business, including real estate, inventories, buildings, machinery, and other equipment, patents, franchise rights, and copyrights.

(Pub. L. 89–329, title IV, §480, as added Pub. L. 99–498, title IV, §406(a), Oct. 17, 1986, 100 Stat. 1472 ; amended Pub. L. 100–50, §14(28), June 3, 1987, 101 Stat. 353 ; Pub. L. 100–369, §7(b), July 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 837 ; Pub. L. 101–610, title I, §185(3), (4), Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3168 ; Pub. L. 102–325, title IV, §471(a), July 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 606 ; Pub. L. 103–82, title I, §102(c)(4), (5), Sept. 21, 1993, 107 Stat. 824 ; Pub. L. 103–208, §2(g)(17)–(20), Dec. 20, 1993, 107 Stat. 2474 ; Pub. L. 104–193, title I, §110(h)(2), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2172 ; Pub. L. 105–78, title VI, §609(j), (k), Nov. 13, 1997, 111 Stat. 1524 ; Pub. L. 105–244, title IV, §479, Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1732 ; Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(f) [title VIII, §405(d)(15)(B), (f)(12)(B)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–337 , 2681-421, 2681-431.)

References in Text

The National and Community Service Act of 1990, referred to in subsecs. (a)(2), (e)(2), and (j)(1), is Pub. L. 101–610, Nov. 16, 1990, 104 Stat. 3127 , as amended, which is classified principally to chapter 129 (§12501 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Title I of the Act enacted subchapter I (§12511 et seq.) of chapter 129 of Title 42 and amended sections 1070a–6 and 1087vv of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 12501 of Title 42 and Tables.

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 89–329, as amended, known as the Higher Education Act of 1965. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1001 of this title and Tables.

The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (b)(2) and (e)(4), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620 , as amended. Parts A and E of title IV of the Act are classified generally to parts A (§601 et seq.) and E (§670 et seq.) of subchapter IV of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998, referred to in subsec. (b)(14), is Pub. L. 105–220, Aug. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 936 , as amended. Title I of the Act is classified principally to chapter 30 (§2801 et seq.) of Title 29, Labor. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 9201 of this title and Tables.

Title 10, chapter 2, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(A), relates to the organization of the Department of Defense. For provisions relating to the Reserve Officer Training Corps, see chapters 102 and 103 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Title 10, chapter 107, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(C), relates to educational assistance for active duty enlistees. For provisions relating to the Selective Reserve educational assistance program, see chapter 106 of Title 10.

Title 37, chapter 2, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(D), has never been enacted. For provisions relating to the Reserve Officer Training Corps, see chapters 102 and 103 of Title 10.

Public Law 97–376, section 156, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(I), probably means Pub. L. 97–377, title I, §156, Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1920 , as amended, which is set out as a note under section 402 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. Pub. L. 97–376 does not contain a section 156.

Public Law 96–342, section 903, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(J), is set out as a note under section 2141 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Codification

Amendment by section 2(g)(19) of Pub. L. 103–208 (which was effective as if included in Pub. L. 102–325) was executed to this section as amended by Pub. L. 102–325 and Pub. L. 103–82, to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Amendments

1998-Subsec. (b)(14). Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §405(f)(12)(B)], struck out "Job Training Partnership Act noneducational benefits or" after "railroad retirement benefits, or".

Pub. L. 105–277, §101(f) [title VIII, §405(d)(15)(B)], substituted "Job Training Partnership Act noneducational benefits or benefits received through participation in employment and training activities under title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998" for "Job Training Partnership Act noneducational benefits".

Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 105–244, §479(1), inserted before period at end ", and national service educational awards or post-service benefits under title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990".

Subsec. (j)(3), (4). Pub. L. 105–244, §479(2), (3), redesignated par. (4) as (3) and struck out former par. (3) which read as follows: "Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a national service educational award or post-service benefit under title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 shall not be treated as financial assistance for purposes of section 1087kk(3) of this title."

1997-Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 105–78, §609(j), substituted "program by an individual, no" for "program by an individual, and no" and inserted "and no portion of any tax credit taken under section 25A of title 26," before "shall be included".

Subsec. (j)(4). Pub. L. 105–78, §609(k), added par. (4).

1996-Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 104–193 substituted "assistance under a State program funded" for "aid to families with dependent children under a State plan approved".

1993-Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 103–82, §102(c)(4), inserted ", and no portion of a national service educational award or post-service benefit received by an individual under title I of the National and Community Service Act of 1990," after "by an individual".

Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 103–208, §2(g)(17), made technical amendment to references to titles of the United States Code in subpars. (A) to (H).

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 103–208, §2(g)(18), inserted before semicolon "or was a ward of the court until the individual reached the age of 18".

Subsec. (j)(3). Pub. L. 103–208, §2(g)(19), realigned margin. See Codification note above.

Pub. L. 103–82, §102(c)(5), added par. (3).

Subsecs. (k) to (m). Pub. L. 103–208, §2(g)(20), added subsecs. (k) to (m).

1992-Pub. L. 102–325 amended section generally, substituting subsecs. (a) to (j) for former subsecs. (a) to (i).

1990-Subsec. (d)(2)(F). Pub. L. 101–610, §185(4), inserted "and living allowances as a result of participation in a program established under the National and Community Service Act of 1990)" after "other than parents".

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 101–610, §185(3), added par. (3).

1988-Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 100–369 added subsec. (i).

1987-Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 100–50, §14(28)(A), (B), substituted "paragraphs (2) through (4)" for "paragraphs (2) and (3)" and inserted "minus excludable income (as defined in subsection (f) of this section)" before period at end.

Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 100–50, §14(28)(C), added par. (2) and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "The Secretary shall promulgate special regulations to permit, in the computation of family contributions for the programs under subpart 2 of part A and parts B and D of this subchapter and part C of subchapter I of chapter 34 of title 42 for any academic year the exclusion from family income of any proceeds of a sale of farm or business assets of that family if such sale results from a voluntary or involuntary foreclosure, forfeiture, liquidation, or bankruptcy."

Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 100–50, §14(28)(D), added par. (4).

Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 100–50, §14(28)(E), substituted subsec. (b) consisting of pars. (1) to (14) for former subsec. (b) consisting of pars. (1) to (19), and substituted subsec. (c) consisting of pars. (1) to (14) for former subsec. (c) consisting of pars. (1) to (16).

Subsec. (d)(2)(F). Pub. L. 100–50, §14(28)(F), substituted "annual total resources (including all sources of resources other than parents)" for "an annual total income".

Subsecs. (f) to (h). Pub. L. 100–50, §14(28)(G), added subsecs. (f) to (h).

Effective Date of 1998 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–244 effective Oct. 7, 1998, see section 480A of Pub. L. 105–244, set out as a note under section 1087kk of this title.

Amendment by section 101(f) [title VIII, §405(d)(15)(B)] of Pub. L. 105–277 effective Oct. 21, 1998, and amendment by section 101(f) [title VIII, §405(f)(12)(B)] of Pub. L. 105–277 effective July 1, 2000, see section 101(f) [title VIII, §405(g)(1), (2)(B)] of Pub. L. 105–277, set out as a note under section 3502 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–193 effective July 1, 1997, with transition rules relating to State options to accelerate such date, rules relating to claims, actions, and proceedings commenced before such date, rules relating to closing out of accounts for terminated or substantially modified programs and continuance in office of Assistant Secretary for Family Support, and provisions relating to termination of entitlement under AFDC program, see section 116 of Pub. L. 104–193, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 601 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1993 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–208 effective as if included in the Higher Education Amendments of 1992, Pub. L. 102–325, except as otherwise provided, see section 5(a) of Pub. L. 103–208, set out as a note under section 1051 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–82 effective Oct. 1, 1993, see section 123 of Pub. L. 103–82, set out as a note under section 1701 of Title 16, Conservation.

Effective Date of 1992 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 102–325 applicable with respect to determinations of need under this part for award years beginning on or after July 1, 1993, see section 471(b) of Pub. L. 102–325, set out as a note under section 1087kk of this title.

Effective Date of 1987 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–50 effective as if enacted as part of the Higher Education Amendments of 1986, Pub. L. 99–498, see section 27 of Pub. L. 100–50, set out as a note under section 1001 of this title.

Definition of "Independent Student"; Application to Specified Periods of Enrollment

Section 406(b)(5), formerly section 406(b)(4), of Pub. L. 99–498, renumbered Pub. L. 100–50, §22(e)(2), June 3, 1987, 101 Stat. 361 , provided that: "The definition of independent student contained in section 480(d) of the Act [20 U.S.C. 1087vv(d)] as amended by subsection (a) of this section shall apply with respect to the determination of such need for periods of enrollment beginning on or after January 1, 1987, in the case of programs operated under part B of title IV of the Act [part B of this subchapter], or for periods of enrollment beginning on or after July 1, 1987, in the case of programs operated under subpart 2 of part A and parts C and E of such title [subpart 2 of part A of this subchapter and part C of subchapter I of chapter 34 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare, and part D of this subchapter]."

[References to subpart 2 of part A of title IV of Pub. L. 89–329 deemed, after July 23, 1992, to refer to subpart 3 of such part, see section 402(b) of Pub. L. 102–325, set out as a note under section 1070a–11 of this title.]

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in sections 1070a–11, 1078, 1087kk, 1087oo, 1087pp, 1087qq of this title; title 42 sections 12604, 12651d.