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Annual grant tied to the FAFSA/PA State Grant cycle; no separate fixed deadline found specifically for BDBG.
Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant (BDBG) is a state-funded grant from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) that provides financial aid to blind or deaf undergraduate and graduate students at Pennsylvania postsecondary institutions. The maximum grant is $500 within an academic year and cannot exceed the student's cost of attendance. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligible students must be Pennsylvania residents, enrolled at least half-time in a Title IV-approved institution, demonstrate financial need, file the FAFSA, and submit documentation of visual or hearing impairment from OVR or a licensed physician. Satisfactory academic progress must be maintained.
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# PA Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant (BDBG) Program 7. PA Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant (BDBG) Program # PA Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant (BDBG) Program This state-funded program provides financial aid to blind or deaf undergraduate or graduate students attending a postsecondary institution.
To be considered for the BDBG Program, you must: * Be a Pennsylvania resident * Submit one of the following types of written documentation to PHEAA with your first application: * A signed letter confirming you have been evaluated and are eligible to receive benefits from the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) * A completed, signed, and dated Medical Professional Certification Form from your physician regarding your visual or hearing impairment (located on the last page of the BDBG Application) * Be enrolled at least half-time in a postsecondary institution and maintain satisfactory academic progress (as determined by the postsecondary institution) * File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) for the academic year the BDBG funds are being requested for ## How Much Can I Expect to Receive?
The maximum BDBG cannot exceed $500 within an academic year. The grant can replace your Student Aid Index (SAI) but cannot exceed your cost of attendance. This program awards funds on a first-come, first-served basis.
1. Download and complete the BDBG Application. 2.
Contact OVR at 1-866-375-8264 for documentation stating that you qualify for OVR benefits or contact your physician to complete and sign the last page of the BDBG Application (Medical Professional Certification). 3. File the FAFSA for the academic year the BDBG funds are being requested for.
4. Submit your completed 2026-27 application and additional documentation by March 31, 2027. PA State Grant and Special Programs Harrisburg, PA 17105-8157 **NOTE:** The 2026-27 application will be available by the end of May.
Yes. If you were eligible in a prior year, you must: 1. Download and complete the BDBG Application.
**NOTE:** An applicant who has been eligible in a previous year does not need to submit new OVR or medical documentation. 2. File the FAFSA for the academic year for which the BDBG funds are being requested.
3. Submit your completed 2026-27 application by March 31, 2027, either by mail or fax. PA State Grant and Special Programs Harrisburg, PA 17105-8157 **NOTE:** The 2026-27 application will be available by the end of May.
## BDBG PROGRAM Helpful Resources ## Properly Sign Your Application Make sure your application isn't delayed or denied! Learn how to sign your application correctly to avoid processing or possible funding issues. Keep this form on hand if you are interested in and qualify for the BDBG Program.
Select the link below and check your downloads folder. * 2025-26 BDBG Application Copy Have questions about the BDBG Program? Contact us today for answers!
* **PHONE**: 1-800-692-7392 (**TTY:** Dial 711 (for hearing impaired)) * **EMAIL**: bdbg@pheaa.
org * PA Forward Student Loans * Grow PA Scholarship Grant * PA Student Teacher Support * PA Mental Health Education Learning in Schools * PA Student Loan Relief for Nurses * Aid for Military & PA National Guard * Five Steps to Financial Aid * In-School Budget Calculator * How to Sign Your PHEAA Form * How the OBBBA Impacts Student Loans * Financial Aid Resources * PA Forward Student Loans Toolkit * Doing Business with PHEAA * Reports & Statistical Studies PHEAA conducts its student loan servicing operations commercially as American Education Services.
* Office of Consumer Advocacy
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Blind or deaf Pennsylvania resident students enrolled at least half-time in an approved postsecondary institution; requires FAFSA and OVR certification or a signed medical professional certification of visual/hearing impairment. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows $500. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant (BDBG) is funded by Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in Pennsylvania. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
Grow PA Grant Program is sponsored by Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Established to build Pennsylvania's workforce in in-demand occupations, this program provides grants to students who commit to work and residency in Pennsylvania after graduation. It helps in-state students pay for school and prepares them for skilled careers.
Chafee Education and Training Grant (Chafee ETG) Program is sponsored by Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. This federally funded program provides grants to eligible Pennsylvania undergraduate students who are or have been in foster care and are attending an eligible postsecondary institution. It is authorized under the Foster Care Independence Act of 1999 and subsequent amendments.
Chafee Education & Training Grant (Chafee ETG) Program (Pennsylvania) is sponsored by Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) on behalf of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. This federally funded program offers grants to Pennsylvania undergraduate students who are or have been in foster care and are attending an eligible postsecondary institution. Applicants must complete the FAFSA annually.
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