Pell Grant Reform Aims to Align Federal Aid Policy with the Needs of Students with Disabilities

Washington, DC—Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), along with Congressman Joe Morelle (NY-25), introduced the Pell Grant Flexibility Act, a bipartisan bill that would ensure students with disabilities receive the financial support they need to pursue higher education at a pace that works for them.

The legislation provides increased flexibility in the Pell Grant program, allowing students with disabilities to take a reduced course load without facing financial penalties or the risk of losing their aid. It also allows for adjustments to semester limits and award calculations based on individual needs—ensuring equity in access to federal financial aid.

“As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, I’m working to eliminate structural barriers that prevent students with disabilities from accessing the support they need to succeed. The Pell Grant Flexibility Act will ensure that students who must take a reduced course load due to their disability aren’t penalized financially for doing so. By aligning Pell Grant rules with the realities these students face, we’re giving them the flexibility to complete their education on a timeline that works for them, without losing the aid they rely on to stay in school and graduate,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

“Nearly 1 in 5 undergraduate students lives with a disability—and too many are forced to leave school because of financial roadblocks,” said Rep. Morelle. “I’m proud to work across the aisle with Representative Fitzpatrick to support students with disabilities. Our bill makes college more accessible by removing financial barriers and offering the flexibility students need to thrive.”

Stephan J. Smith, CEO of the Association on Higher Education and Disability, added: "As the leading professional membership association for individuals committed to equity for disabled people in higher education, AHEAD has always been a champion of the Pell Grant program as a tool to help students achieve their educational goals. However, for some students with disabilities, course load requirements and semester limits with the Pell Grant program result in challenges to completing college. AHEAD applauds the reintroduction of the Pell Grant Flexibility Act by Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). Adding the bill’s commonsense flexibility to the Pell Grant program would allow students with disabilities to attend college at a pace that offers them the greatest chance for success without a reduction, or even loss, of Pell Grant funding. This small change will improve the efficacy of the Pell Grant program and bring life-changing opportunities to disabled college students.”

Pell Grants represent the largest source of federal financial aid for college students. But under current rules, students must enroll in a full course load to qualify for the maximum award. Many students with disabilities take fewer credits to accommodate their health needs, often extending their college timelines. Unfortunately, this results in reduced financial aid—despite the fact that their overall educational costs often remain the same.

The impact is clear:

• 25% of students with disabilities leave college after their first year—nearly double the rate of their peers without disabilities.
• Many face a choice between overextending themselves to retain aid or dropping out entirely.

The Pell Grant Flexibility Act would allow students with disabilities to:

• Receive full or adjusted Pell Grant awards based on individualized course loads;
• Extend eligibility timelines by waiving strict semester limits when medically necessary;
• Access the support they need without sacrificing their health or compromising their future.

As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, Congressman Fitzpatrick is leading the charge to break down the barriers facing Americans with disabilities. The Pell Grant Flexibility Act is a key part of his broader effort to ensure that students with disabilities aren’t left behind in our higher education system—and that every person has the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.

To learn more about the Pell Grant Flexibility Act, read the full text of the bill here. 

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