Financial aid money is intended to cover your educational expenses — things like tuition, fees, books, housing, food, and transportation related to school. It is not legal to gift or give this money to relatives or friends in need, because the funds are meant for your cost of attendance. For federal aid (Pell Grant, loans, etc.), misuse could even be considered fraud if it’s intentional.
✅ What you can use it for
– Tuition and fees billed by your school
– Books, supplies, and required equipment
– Room and board (on-campus or off-campus rent, groceries)
– Transportation to and from school
– Some personal expenses directly tied to being a student
🚫 What you cannot use it for
– Giving cash gifts to others (including relatives or friends)
– Investing, gambling, or large purchases unrelated to school
– Anything the Department of Education (for federal aid) or your college would consider “misuse” of funds
Also for Foster Youth in THP housing:
THP (Transitional Housing Program) allowance are public benefits intended to support you as a young adult transitioning to independence. The expectation is that you use the funds for your own needs — so you can maintain housing, food, and independence. Misuse of these funds by giving money to others could affect your ability to stay in the THP program.