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Federal PLUS Pre-Approval

Parents may check if they would be pre-approved for a  Federal PLUS Loan.   If the parent qualifies for the loan, a Federal PLUS Loan Master Promissory Note must also be completed.  The parent (not the student) must first create an account with Account Access.  If you have problems connecting or other transmission errors, please contact AES/PHEAA at (877)603-6010.  This service is also available by calling (800)692-7392 between 7:30 am and 8:30 pm EST Monday through Thursday and 8:00 am - 4:30 pm EST on Friday. 

Situations in Which a Dependent Student
May Be Eligible for Additional
Federal Unsubsidized Loan
Based on PLUS Denial

If the Federal PLUS Loan is denied, the student may qualify for additional Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan.  The amount of eligibility will be determined in part by the student's grade level, other financial aid, and cost of education.

1.   BASED ON PARENT'S CREDIT HISTORY

One parent must apply for a Federal PLUS Pre-Approval (as described above) and be denied the loan.  Normally within five minutes of submitting the required information, credit approval or denial will be determined.  If the report comes back denied, the student must complete a "Request for Additional Federal Stafford Loan" form  (Adobe Reader is required to view this form).   A denial will appear on a report sent to our office by AES/PHEAA in approximately 5 business days. We will process additional Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan assistance once we receive all required forms/notification as stated above.   If parent is pre-approved, this does not mean they are obligated to sign a promissory note for a Federal PLUS Loan.

2.   BASED ON ASSISTANCE/DISABILITY PROGRAMS

If a parent is receiving payments under any of the following federal or state public assistance or disability programs, the parent should contact our office at (570)389-4297 and ask to speak with a loan supervisor.

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Food Stamps
• Supplemental Security Insurance
• Social Security Disability Benefits
• Other (will need to specify)

If the parent is denied, the student must complete a "Request for Additional Federal Stafford Loan" form  (Adobe Reader is required to view this form).

3.  OTHER

If one of the following conditions* exist,  the parent should contact our office at (570)389-4297 and ask to speak with a loan supervisor.

• Parent(s) are incarcerated **
• Parent(s)' whereabouts unknown **
• Parent(s) filed for bankruptcy
• Parent(s) are not a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
• Other exceptional circumstances exist that preclude the parents from borrowing a PLUS Loan (will need to specify)

* Supporting documentation will be required.

** If both of the student's parents are living, the condition applies to both parents.  If the student's parent is widowed or single, the condition applies to that parent.

If the parent is denied, the student must complete a "Request for Additional Federal Stafford Loan" form  (Adobe Reader is required to view this form).

NOTE:  If the dependent student is determined to be eligible for the additional unsubsidized loan amounts under one of the above situations, the situation must be re-examined prior to certifying additional unsubsidized loan amounts in subsequent academic years.