US HB7689

Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to add basic and emergency supplemental living assistance grants as a required activity under the Student Support Services program

Basic grants cover reasonable, anticipated expenses for completing an academic year during a student's first undergraduate baccalaureate course of study; emergency grants cover unanticipated expenses needed to persist in college

Emergency supplemental assistance grants capped at $500 per student for academic year 2027-2028, with annual increases tied to the Consumer Price Index

Grant recipients may use no more than 2% of their total Student Support Services funding for these living assistance grants, with additional funding available from appropriations exceeding fiscal year 2027 levels

Covered expenses may include cost of attendance components, dependent care exceeding standard allowances, transportation costs, and personal items not otherwise covered by financial aid