(a) For purposes of documenting a participant's low-income status the following applies:

(1) In the case of a student who is not an independent student, an institution shall document that the student is a low-income individual by obtaining and maintaining—

(i) A signed statement from the student's parent or legal guardian regarding family income;

(ii) Verification of family income from another governmental source;

(iii) A signed financial aid application; or

(iv) A signed United States or Puerto Rican income tax return.

(2) In the case of a student who is an independent student, an institution shall document that the student is a low-income individual by obtaining and maintaining—

(i) A signed statement from the student regarding family income;

(ii) Verification of family income from another governmental source;

(iii) A signed financial aid application; or

(iv) A signed United States or Puerto Rican income tax return.

(b) For purposes of documenting potential first generation college student status, documentation consists of a signed statement from a dependent participant's parent, or a signed statement from an independent participant.

(c) A grantee does not have to revalidate a participant's eligibility after the participant's initial selection.