Families – You can help generate state aid for your school by completing the Application for Educational Benefits or the Alternate Application for Educational Benefits and returning it to your school. Some schools collect income data through a web-based collection system which replaces the paper forms. These are household income statements; only one application is needed per household but each district.

Students in households that meet the free or reduced price meal income guidelines will generate compensatory revenue for their school. Schools must use compensatory revenue to meet the needs of students who are behind their peers, such as remedial instruction, instructional materials including digital learning and technology, bilingual programs and additional teachers and teacher aides. These applications may also make teachers in your school eligible for the federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program if they have outstanding college loans. However, the household must complete and return the forms, or complete the online form, no later than December 15 so the school can calculate eligibility and report to MDE. This will not impact your students’ eligibility to receive free meals during the 2020-21 school year. To request an electronic form, please email .