34 CFR §645.4

1. (a)For purposes of documenting a participant's low-income status the following applies:
   1. (1)In the case of a student who is not an independent student, an institution shall document that the student is a low-income individual by obtaining and maintaining—
      1. (i)A signed statement from the student's parent or legal guardian regarding family income;
      2. (ii)Verification of family income from another governmental source;
      3. (iii)A signed financial aid application; or
      4. (iv)A signed United States or Puerto Rican income tax return.
   2. (2)In the case of a student who is an independent student, an institution shall document that the student is a low-income individual by obtaining and maintaining—
      1. (i)A signed statement from the student regarding family income;
      2. (ii)Verification of family income from another governmental source;
      3. (iii)A signed financial aid application; or
      4. (iv)A signed United States or Puerto Rican income tax return.
2. (b)For purposes of documenting potential first generation college student status, documentation consists of a signed statement from a dependent participant's parent, or a signed statement from an independent participant.
3. (c)A grantee does not have to revalidate a participant's eligibility after the participant's initial selection.