; or (B) in the case of an independent student (without regard to whether such student has dependents), the student received benefits at some time during the previous 24-month period under a means-tested Federal benefit program as defined under subsection (d). . (c) Income threshold Section 479(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1087ss(c) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking $23,000 and inserting $30,000 ; and (2) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking $23,000 and inserting $30,000 . (d) Means-Tested Federal benefit program Section 479(d)(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1087ss(d)(2) ) is amended by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following: (C) the Medicaid program established under title XIX of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.); . 3. Using data from second preceding year Section 480(a)(1)(B) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1087vv(a)(1)(B) ) is amended— (1) by striking may in both places it appears and inserting shall ; and (2) by striking sharing of data between and inserting sharing of data, to the extent such data is available, between . 4. Early FAFSA submission Section 483(a)(8) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1090(a)(8) ) is amended by striking as early as practicable prior to January 1 of and inserting not later than October 1 of the year preceding . 5. Effective date The amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to award years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.