(a) In general

For the purpose of this subchapter, other than subpart 2 of part A, and except as provided in subsection (b), the term “family contribution” with respect to any student means the amount which the student and the student’s family may be reasonably expected to contribute toward the student’s postsecondary education for the academic year for which the determination is made, as determined in accordance with this part.

(b) Special rule

(1) In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter, the family contribution of each student described in paragraph (2) shall be deemed to be zero for the academic year for which the determination is made.

(2) Applicability

Paragraph (1) shall apply to any dependent or independent student with respect to determinations of need for academic year 2009-2010 (in the case of a student who meets the requirement of subparagraph (B)(i)), or academic year 2018-2019 (in the case of a student who meets the requirement of subparagraph (B)(ii)), and succeeding academic years—

(A) who is eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant for the academic year for which the determination is made;

(B) whose parent or guardian was—

(i) a member of the Armed Forces of the United States and died as a result of performing military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001; or

(ii) actively serving as a public safety officer and died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer; and

(C) who, at the time of the parent or guardian’s death, was—

(i) less than 24 years of age; or

(ii) enrolled at an institution of higher education on a part-time or full-time basis.

(3) Information

(A) Armed Forces

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense, as appropriate, shall provide the Secretary of Education with information necessary to determine which students meet the requirements of subparagraphs (A), (B)(i), and (C) of paragraph (2).

(B) Public safety officers

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, unless the Secretary establishes an alternate method to adjust the expected family contribution, for each student who meets the requirements of subparagraphs (A), (B)(ii), and (C) of paragraph (2), a financial aid administrator shall—

(i) verify with the student that the student is eligible for the adjustment;

(ii) adjust the expected family contribution in accordance with this subsection; and

(iii) notify the Secretary of the adjustment and the student’s eligibility for the adjustment.

(4) Treatment of Pell amount

Notwithstanding section 1212 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796d-1),¹ in the case of a student who receives an increased Federal Pell Grant amount under this section, the total amount of such Federal Pell Grant, including the increase under this subsection, shall not be considered in calculating that student’s educational assistance benefits under the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program under subpart 2 of part L of title I of such Act.

(5) Definition of public safety officer

For purposes of this subsection, the term “public safety officer” means—

(A) a public safety officer, as defined in section 1204 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796b); ¹ or

(B) a fire police officer, defined as an individual who—

(i) is serving in accordance with State or local law as an officially recognized or designated member of a legally organized public safety agency;

(ii) is not a law enforcement officer, a firefighter, a chaplain, or a member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew; and

(iii) provides scene security or directs traffic—

(I) in response to any fire drill, fire call, or other fire, rescue, or police emergency; or

(II) at a planned special event.