Economically Disadvantaged Student criteria
Qualification
To qualify as an Economically Disadvantaged Student you must certify that you meet the following criteria:
- Be a member of a family with income within 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guideline Levels - see chart below (you will need to furnish a copy of your family’s most recent federal tax returns to verify); or,
- Be a self-supporting student (you will need to furnish a copy of your most recent federal tax returns to verify).
As a self supporting student, you must further certify:
- You have not lived with your parents or guardians for more than 12 weeks during the preceding year, and
- You have not received more than $750 from your parents or guardians during the preceding year, and
- You have not been claimed as an income tax deduction by your parents or guardians during the preceding year, and
- You pay for more than 50 percent of your living costs including room, board, tuition, and other educational expenses.
Current lower living standard income level
150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, 2020
| Family size | Year | Month |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $19,140 | $1,595 |
| 2 | $25,860 | $2,155 |
| 3 | $32,580 | $2,715 |
| 4 | $39,300 | $3,275 |
| 5 | $46,020 | $3,835 |
| 6 | $52,740 | $4,395 |
| 7 | $59,460 | $4,955 |
| 8 | $66,180 | $5,515 |
Percentage calculations
Annual income levels provide for 125%-250% of FPG are derived by multiplying the FPG annual income for each family size by the appropriate percentage and rounding to the nearest whole dollar. Monthly income levels for FPG and 125%-250% of FPG are derived by dividing each annual income level by 12 and rounding to the nearest whole dollar.
How to apply
If you meet the above criteria, please first apply for the Seeds Program on Minnesota State careers site. Check the Seeds application tips to set up an account and apply. After you have submitted your application on the State Jobs website, you will need to fax or mail the appropriate federal tax returns and a cover page indicating whether you are applying under the family or self-supporting student criteria to:
Seeds Program Manager
MnDOT Human Resources Office, MS 200
395 John Ireland Boulevard
St Paul, MN 55155
Fax: 651-366-3401
To request this information in an alternative format, call 1-800-657-3774 (Greater Minnesota); 711 or 1-800-627-3529 (Minnesota Relay). You may also send an email to ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us. Please request at least one week in advance.