Living in a small town, you learn things you didn’t know if you are from a big city. Many of the people that are a member of one club, tend to be in others as well. One of the great things for those searching for scholarships is that you can often find a one-stop-shop for scholarship information at your local American Legion Hall. Besides the American Legion Scholarships that the nation organizations offer, there is also a bevy of local aid offered in many communities. Those that serve our country are often people who are civically minded and are interested in making a difference in their community.
1) Volunteer At The Hall – Volunteering is a part of scholarships anyway, so why not kill two birds with one stone. Volunteer at the many bingo nights, pancake breakfasts, and other events they hold to get yourself noticed by the Hall staff. It goes a long way towards getting the solid letters of recommendation you will need down the line.
2) Talk up your goals – Be sure to let others know what you are looking to do in college. This kind of networking gets you moving early in your career for references, and makes Legion hall members more likely to keep you in mind for a scholarships you may not know about.
3) Keep your eyes and ears open – While some members may not talk about scholarships they remember, the local hall secretary often posts items on the Hall bulletin board, such as scholarships. Check it frequently as many items are posted last minute. Also, subscribe to listservs about Hall business for potential nuggets of info.
Nearly every community features a local Legion Hall. While many seem simply like a hangout for old vets, it can also be a fountain of information for those in the know. Don’t miss the opportunity to get in on some great aid opportunities by ignoring this great potential source.
College Money Man Podcast 
Last year my son & I asked his financial aid counselor what was his balance entire for the year. (2013) We were told $5000 but he did not tell us he was talking about the first semester. He owed another $5000 for the second semester. I was laid off late last year and I’m still unemployed & may not be able to work due to an accident, my son came home for the summer got & continues to work 2 jobs to pay the balance, so he can return to school in the spring. The school has been no help in this matter. Any suggestions on what we can do?
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Hi Lynn,
First, I am sorry to hear about the hardship you are going through right now. I went through something similar when I was in HS with my father.
The key is to file a Financial Aid Redetermination Appeal. This is an appeal performed to re-evaluate your aid eligibility. Often layoffs, and injuries are good reasons to redetermine your income.
Now, here is an article I wrote about this that offers some detail about what to do about this: https://collegemoneyman.wordpress.com/2012/07/15/ep112min/
I hope this article can help you. Be aggressive in pursuing your aid. If you have any questions or need additional help, hit me up on twitter @JoseJRVazquez to get a quick response.
Regards
JR
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Hi JR,
I read the article, I did tell them when I was laid off. All they told us was it had to be paid before the start of this semester. It’s probably to late to ask about a EFC REDETERMINATION now, we are into the new school year now. I sent in all my appeal stuff but they said he has to pay before they can look at it. It seems like I have to tell them, they have not been forth coming with information. Thank you.
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Lynn,
Its never to late to do an EFC redetermination. If the redetermination shows aid should have been awarded, at least it can be retroactively applied to the current semester. Dont give up and Push for your rights. So many dont because they think the school is right, but often a redetermination can make all the difference when filed correctly. Even if he cant attend this semester, at least a redetermination can save him this hassle in the spring and summer. Give it a try, you will likely be surprised. If you need some help, let me know.
Regards
jr
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Hi JR, Here is the response I got back:
“We can do an EFC redetermination for the 2013-2014 FAFSA year. However, we cannot do one for previous years. I have attached the special consideration form to this email if it is something you are wishing to pursue. I have also attached a verification worksheet will also need completed.”
The attached documents being referred to were sent back in July for an EFC Appeal we were trying to do. At that time I was told he had to pay the $5000 before they could do an appeal. It sounds like they are saying the same thing.
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Hi JR,
As I stated above, I sent in docs for an EFC Appeal, I was told it could not be started until my son registered. I then resubmitted the docs for the EFC Redetermination, see response below:
[After further review I realized that we had completed a special consideration earlier this summer. The results from that special consideration did actually help….in regards to the Pell Grant. So he did get money.] I told him I was confused, I had no idea anything was done no one contacted me.
Today I get an email with this in it: [” in certain situations, you are correct in pointing out that an EFC adjustment can retroactively be applied to a past semester, however, the student would first need to qualify for that adjustment. Because you had earnings the majority of the year in 2012, even if you had submitted a third Request for Special Consideration, in between the other two requests, it would not have had an impact to Matthew’s 2012-13 aid eligibility. It would also not have helped to reduced the current balance owed. Based on the timing of your job loss and your anticipated earnings going forward, ……. qualifies for a 2013-14 EFC adjustment, but he does not qualify for one for the 2012-13 academic year.”] I asked why can’t the first semester money for this yr. be applied to his balance?
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Lynn,
One thing that can be said is true is they are unable to retroactively apply an award to a prior year that has been closed, such as 12-13 school year. They are prohibited by law from doing this. This is unfortunate but true. Often what they expect is for the prior year balance to be paid and then the award for the current year is applied. It is a problem that they cannot fix from a financial aid point of view. Out of curiosity what was your EFC for the 13-14 years?
Regards
JR
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JR,
I’m furious & frustrated because the questions I asked were not properly answered. But of course I didn’t know that at the time. My son is working very hard to return in the spring. I feel really bad for him, sine I am unable to help him.
“When you originally completed the 2013-2014 an EFC of 2777 was generated with a Pell Grant eligibility of $2,995 for the year. After we completed the special consideration the EFC was reduced to 200 which now gives my son $5,495 for the academic year.”
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