NY A00179

Authorizes student financial aid officers to make case-by-case income adjustments for TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) applicants with special circumstances, including tuition expenses at elementary/secondary schools, medical/dental expenses, high child care costs, recent unemployment, or changes in family income or assets, with adequate documentation required.

Expands TAP award eligibility to include mandatory educational fees (excluding student-voted fees) in addition to tuition, with no fees charged to students or parents for processing supplementary financial information.

Increases TAP maximum award amounts to $5,500 for students first receiving aid in 2013-2014 and $6,000 for students first receiving aid in 2014-2015 and thereafter (previously $5,000).

Raises the minimum TAP award floor to $950 for 2013-2014 academic year and $1,000 for 2014-2015 and thereafter (previously $500).

Requires mandatory adjustments to TAP awards for students with disabilities to account for additional disability-related costs and for applicants experiencing farm/business asset sales due to foreclosure, bankruptcy, or involuntary liquidation.