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The answer to the drug-related conviction question on the FAFSA is a self-reported data item that is not currently verified through a data-matching system. The question may not be left blank by the applicant.
A student who has been convicted (found guilty)of the possession or sale of a controlled substance (not including alcohol and tobacco) may suffer suspension or loss of Title IV eligibility if the offense occurred during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving Title IV aid.
The penalty is determined by the type and number of convictions. A student with a previous drug-related conviction is not automatically ineligible for federal financial aid. The drug-related conviction worksheet is designed to help students determine their status
The answer to the drug-related conviction question is used for the determination of federal student aid only. This data is neither used nor collected by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) when determining eligibility for state-funded programs.
Worksheet for Question 23
The Worksheet for Question 23 is automatically sent to students who leave FAFSA question 23 blank or answer “yes” to it. A student with a previous drug-related conviction is not automatically ineligible for federal student aid. The applicant’s answers on the Worksheet for Question 23 may affect eligibility for federal student financial aid.
“1” means eligibility for federal student aid is not affected by Question 23.
“2” means eligibility for federal student aid is affected for part of the academic year.
“3” means eligibility for federal student aid is affected for the entire academic year.
If a student is convicted of possessing or selling drugs after submitting the FAFSA, the student must notify the Financial Aid Office at the postsecondary school immediately. The student will lose eligibility and must pay back all aid received after the conviction.
Students whose eligibility has been suspended due to drug convictions can resume eligiblity if the student passes two unannounced drug tests conducted by a drug rehabilitation program that complies with federal regulations.
Help??
If the student has questions or needs help with the Worksheet for Questions 23, call 1.800.4.FED.AID (1.800.433.3243). Additional guidance regarding Drug-Related Convictions can be found in the Federal Student Aid Handbook.
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