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Types of Financial Aid

Gift Aid - Grants or scholarships that do not need to be earned or repaid
Work - Money earned by the student as payment for a job on or off campus
Loans - Borrowed money to be paid back, usually with interest

Types of Financial Aid

There are three major types of financial aid – grants and scholarships, work-study, and educational loans.

Grants and scholarships are gift aid that does not need to be earned or require repayment. Grants are usually based on the student’s financial need. Scholarships are generally based on talent and/or merit.

While there are a number of grants and scholarships available to California students, the Cal Grant program is one of the most widely available. Cal Grants are an example of gift aid based on need and merit. We will discuss Cal Grants in more detail later in the presentation.

Work programs provide opportunities for students to earn money to help pay for school expenses.

Both students and parents can borrow from a variety of low interest educational loan programs designed to help with the educational expenses of the student. Student loans usually do not require repayment until the student is no longer in school. Parent loans may require payment while the student is still in school.

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Sources of Financial Aid

Federal government
State government
Colleges and universities
Private agencies, companies, foundations, and employers

Sources of Financial Aid

By completing the financial aid applications and any other documents required by the colleges and universities to which the students are applying, they may be considered for funds from:

- the federal government;

- the state government; as well as

- colleges and universities themselves.

Private agencies, companies, foundations, and maybe even the students’ and parents’ employers provide scholarships for college. Though important, these sources provide less than 6% of the total financial aid awarded to students. Check with each of the private agencies, companies, and foundations to which the students wish to apply about application forms and deadlines. Web sites such as www.studentscholarshipsearch.com, www.fastweb.com and www.finaid.org are good resources for such scholarships.

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FEDERAL AID

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Who Gets Federal Aid?

Eligibility Requirements:

Demonstrate financial need
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Have a valid Social Security Number
Show you’re qualified to obtain a college or career school education by

Having a HS diploma or GED
Completing a HS education in a homeschool setting approved under the state law

Maintain satisfactory academic progress in college or career school

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Federal Aid - Grants

GRANT PROGRAM	PROGRAM DETAILS	ANNUAL AWARDS
Federal Pell Grant	Students with great financial need who have not earned bachelor’s or graduate degrees	Up to $7,395
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)	Pell Grant recipients have priority Funds depend on availability at college (not all colleges participate)	Up to $4,000
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant	Take coursework necessary to become elementary or secondary teacher Must serve minimum of 4 years in a high-need school	Up to $4,000
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant	For students who are not Pell-eligible due to only having less financial need than is required Whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11	Up to $7,395

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Federal Aid - Loans

Subsidized Loans	Unsubsidized Loans	Parent PLUS Loan
For students who have financial need U.S. Department of Ed pays for interest while borrower is in school Interest starts accumulating 6 months after graduation or when no longer a full-time student Fixed 6.53% interest rate	Financial need is not required Borrower is responsible for all interest Interest starts accumulating the moment the money is received Fixed 6.53% interest rate	Loan in parents name Credit check Parents must have a valid SSN Interest begins accumulating 90 days after money is received Fixed 9.08% interest rate

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Federal Aid - Work Study

Money paid for as a job on or off campus
Flexible part-time jobs
Student is paid at least federal minimum wage
Funds depend on availability at school

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STATE AID

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GRANT PROGRAM	PROGRAM DETAILS	ANNUAL AWARDS
Cal Grant	CA students planning to attend a CA college or university Entitlement & Competitive Awards High school GPA, Schools listed on application, and Income & Assets are used to determine eligibility Awarded grants may be renewed for a maximum of 4 years Visit https://www.csac.ca.gov/cal-grants	Awards vary based on Cal Grant type and institution
Chafee Grant	Provides up to $5,000 annually to current and former foster youth for college or vocational training at any accredited college in the U.S., based on available funding Foster youth must have been in CA foster care between the ages of 16-18 and not have reached their 26th birthday before July 1 of the award year To apply: Submit FAFSA or CADAA and Chafee Grant App Visit https://csac.ca.gov/chafee	Up to $5,000
Middle Class Scholarship	Undergraduates with family income and assets of up to $217,000 who: Submit 2025-26 FAFSA or CADAA by March 2, 2025 Attend a UC or CSU Are U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or have AB540 status Are California Residents, and Maintain satisfactory academic progress Visit https://www.csac.ca.gov/middle-class-scholarship	Amount to be determined by CSAC

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GRANT PROGRAM	PROGRAM DETAILS	ANNUAL AWARDS
Cal-HBCU Transfer Grant	Be a California community college student who has earned an Associate’s Degree for Transfer (ADT) Enroll or plan to enroll at an eligible HBCU Demonstrate financial need Intend to return to California after graduating from the partnered HBCU To apply: Submit FAFSA or CADAA and Cal-HBCU Transfer Grant Program Application One-time grant funds Visit https://csac.ca.gov/cal-hbcu-transfer-grant-program	Up to $5,000
CA Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG)	Encourages CADAA students to perform community or volunteer service At least 150 hours per semester, 100 per quarter Grant is available for up to 8 semesters/12 quarters Limited to 1,667 students annually Active recipient of a Cal Grant A* or Cal Grant B Award Cal Grant A recipients must meet Cal Grant B eligibility Demonstrate enough financial need as determined by CSAC or the institution student attends To apply: Submit CADAA and CA Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program application AND request payment from DSIG program Visit https://csac.ca.gov/dsig	Up to $4,500

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State Aid - Cal Grants

Cal Grant High School Entitlement & Competitive Awards -

A & B

A source of grant funds provided by the State of California for California students
Students planning to attend a CA college or university may be eligible to receive one of the following Cal Grants
High school Grade Point Average (GPA) is an important eligibility criterion for these grants. The Cal Grant GPA is calculated using grades from sophomore and junior years of high school and any summer grades after each of those years
Awarded grants may be renewed if students and their families continue to meet all eligibility requirements for a maximum of 4 years

Cal Grants

Let’s talk about Cal Grants – an important source of grant funds provided by the State of California for California students. Students planning to attend a California college or university may be eligible to receive one of the following Cal Grants. High school Grade Point Average (usually referred to as the GPA) is an important eligibility criterion for these grants. The Cal Grant GPA is calculated using grades from sophomore and junior years of high school and any summer grades after each of those years. Awarded grants may be renewed if students and their families continue to meet all eligibility requirements.

Please note: for purposes of the Cal Grant A and B Entitlement Awards, a “recent high school graduate” is defined as a student who is applying for a Cal Grant within 18 months of high school graduation.

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2025-2026 Cal Grant�Application Requirements

Check with your high school or college counselor for more details on how to file the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form, required of all students

By March 2, 2025, complete and submit:

FAFSA

fafsa.ed.gov

Cal Grant GPA Verification Form

CADAA

dream.csac.ca.gov

AND

Cal Grant Application Requirements

In order for a student to be considered for a first-time 2020-21 Cal Grant, the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) requires that he/she submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by March 2, 2020. We encourage all applicants for federal and state aid to file as soon as possible after October 1, 2019.

Students who may be eligible for Cal Grants under AB540 should complete the California Dream Act application at www.caldreamact.org instead of the FAFSA. This includes AB540 eligible DACA students. The Cal Grant GPA Verification Form is also required.

Students with a Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status who are not AB540 eligible should also complete the California Dream Act Application. They should also check with the colleges and universities to which they apply to see if they should complete any other forms.the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA or other forms), but should complete the California Dream Act Application first.

Most high schools submit student grade point averages directly to CSAC on behalf of their students. Others require that students complete the student section of the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form. (The student section of the form asks simple information such as the student’s name, address and Social Security Number). If the paper form is required, it is important to submit it as soon as possible to the high school counselor or registrar because it may take a few days to certify the student’s grade point average. The student can download a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form at: www.calgrants.org. The GPA Verification Form must be postmarked no later than March 2, 2020.

Check with the student’s high school Counseling Office/Guidance Center to see if he/she needs to submit the paper Cal Grant GPA Verification Form or if the high school will submit the GPA electronically on the student’s behalf. If the high school submits the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form electronically, the student may have to authorize the release of his/her Social Security Number.

We urge students to file these forms as soon as possible. Don’t wait for the March 2nd deadline and miss out on a valuable grant that, like other grants, does not have to be repaid.

Students who have qualified and received a Cal Grant for the previous school year should complete the 2020-21 FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1, 2019 and check with the financial aid office at the school they will attend for any other requirements. The GPA Verification Form is not required.

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State Aid - Cal Grants

Cal Grant A Entitlement	Cal Grant B Entitlement	Cal Grant C
With a GPA of at least 3.0 Family income and assets below the state ceilings Who demonstrate financial need	With a GPA of at least 2.0 Who come from disadvantaged or low income families Whose family income and assets are below the state ceilings Who demonstrate financial need	No GPA requirement For students from low income families pursuing vocational programs of study Assists with the costs of a technical or career education
Up to $13,752 - UC $5,742 - CSU $9,358 - Private Non-Profit	Provides a stipend of up to $1,648. After their first year, students will receive the stipend as well as a tuition and fee award if attending a 4-year institution	Provides up to $1,094 for tuition/fees at a CCC for up to two years. If attending a trade or vocational school, up to $2,462 for tuition & fees and $547 for books, tools, and equipment .

REQUIREMENTS

AWARD AMOUNT

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Eligibility for Cal Grants

To be eligible for a Cal Grant, the student must also:

Be a U.S. citizen, Eligible Noncitizen, AB 540 student
Be a California resident
Attend an eligible, accredited California college or university at least half-time in 2025-2026

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Residency Eligibility for Cal Grant

If unmarried and under 18 years of age, the student will be considered a legal resident of CA if:

Parents have been legal residents of CA for one year, or
Student has lived in CA with other legal CA residents, other than parents, for two years, or
Parents who are active military duty, stationed in CA at the time the student enrolls in college, or parents’ military home of record is CA

If married or 18 years of age or older, the student establishes their own residency status. The student must be a legal resident of CA for one year.
Undocumented students who qualify for AB 540 in-state tuition are considered to have satisfied Cal Grant residency requirements. This includes AB 540-eligible DACA students

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State Aid - Cal Grants

	Cal Grant B: Foster Youth Award	Cal Grant Community College Entitlement Award	Cal Grant Transfer Entitlement Award
	Foster youth may renew their Cal Grant B awards for the equivalent of 8 years of full-time attendance Have until their 26th birthday to apply for the Cal Grant High School Entitlement Award Those attending a CC can apply for a High School Entitlement Award through Sept. 2	Enrolled at a CC in their award year Meet minimum Cal Grant eligibility requirements (same as HS Entitlement)	Plan to transfer directly from a CC to a 4-year Student who are under the age of 28 by December 31 of award year Student who meet the general Cal Grant eligibility requirements Students who graduated from a CA high school after June 30, 2000, but were CA residents on their 18th birthday Students who did not graduate from high school but were a CA resident on their 18th birthday

REQUIREMENTS

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Middle Class Scholarship

Undergraduates with family income and assets of up to $217,000 who:

Submit 2025-26 FAFSA or CADAA by March 2, 2025
Attend a UC or CSU
Are U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, or have AB540 status
Are California Residents, and
Maintain satisfactory academic progress

Annual award amounts:

To be determined by the California Student Aid Commission
Amount is determined by annual State Budget and # of eligible recipients
Recipients are notified July 2025

The Middle Class Scholarship

The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) is designed to assist California residents who are new and continuing UC and CSU undergraduate students with family incomes up to $177,000.

To apply for the MCS for 2020-21, students must submit, by March 2, 2020, the:

- 2020-21 FAFSA

- For AB540 students, the 2020-21 California Dream Act Application. This includes AB540 eligible DACA students

MCS awards vary based on the number of eligible students, the institution, and state funding allocated.

Amounts are determined after Federal Pell Grants, Cal Grants and institutional grants are awarded. Students cannot receive both federal and/or state grant aid and the MCS.

Qualifying students will be notified by the California Student Aid Commission. The Commission will also determine the maximum awards.

For renewal, student must maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA, continue to meet all eligibility requirements including completing the FAFSA or the California Dream Act application by the appropriate deadlines.

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California Chafee Grant

The California Chafee Grant program provides up to $5,000 annually to current and former foster youth for college or vocational training at any accredited college in the U.S., based on available funding
Foster youth must have been in California foster care between the ages of 16-18 and not have reached their 26th birthday before July 1 of the award year
Foster youth are encouraged to apply during their senior year of high school
To apply, the foster youth must complete:

2025-2026 FAFSA or CADAA
California Chafee Grant Program Application

To apply, go to www.chafee.csac.ca.gov

Chafee Grant

If the student is a current or former foster youth, the California Chafee Grant may provide some additional financial aid for college. If you are the foster parent or know a foster youth, tell him/her about this special program for foster children.

The California Chafee Grant program provides up to $5,000 annually to current and former foster youth for college or vocational training at any accredited college in the U.S. The continued availability of this grant is dependent on available funding.

To be eligible, foster youth must have been in California foster care on their 16th birthday and may not have reached their 26th birthday before July 1, 2020.

Students are encouraged to apply during their senior year of high school.

To apply, the foster youth must complete:

- 2020-21 FAFSA

- AB540 students should complete the California Dream Act Application.in place of the FAFSA. This includes AB540 eligible DACA students

- California Chafee Grant Program Application

To learn more about the Chafee Grant, go to www.chafee.csac.ca.gov

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CalKIDS - Free Money for College!

CalKIDS, or the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program, is a state-funded program that provides college savings accounts to eligible California residents:

Low-income* public school students enrolled in grades 1-12 during 2021-2022 academic year
Low-income* public school students enrolled in the 1st grade during 2022-2023 academic year and every year thereafter

“Low-income” determined by Local Control Funding Formula

Award Amounts

$500 for low-income public school students
$500 more for foster youth
$500 more for homeless youth

Students can claim their account on the CalKIDS website.

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Private Scholarships

Deadlines and requirements will vary

Merit, Need-based, community service, athletics, etc.

Corporations, small business, community organizations
May cover expenses such as tuition, fees, books & supplies, personal expenses, etc.

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COMPLETING THE APPLICATION

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Types of Applications

FAFSA = Free Application for Federal Student Aid

CADAA = CA Dream Act Application

Undocumented students covered under AB 540

Cal Grant GPA Verification Form

Other applications or forms as required by the college such as:

CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE

Institutional Scholarship and/or Financial Aid Application

2023 Federal Tax returns (along with all schedules and W-2s) or other income documentation

Types of Applications

There are a number of important financial aid forms:

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required by all colleges and universities for the awarding of federal and state aid. Every student should complete the FAFSA. In some instances, a school may use the FAFSA for institutional aid as well. The FAFSA should be completed by students and their families in electronic format (FAFSA on the Web). We will discuss the FAFSA on the Web in greater detail in just a few minutes
Undocumented students covered under AB540 or DACA should complete the California Dream Act Application.
As previously mentioned, in order to be considered for a Cal Grant, students must also complete the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form. This form must be certified by their high school and submitted to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) by March 2, 2020.
The CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE is used by many private or independent colleges and universities as well as a few public universities outside of California to determine eligibility for their own funds. Some scholarship competitions may also require the CSS PROFILE.
Some colleges or universities may require their own scholarship or financial aid applications in addition to the FAFSA. The additional forms, such as those for the Community College Board of Governors (BOG) Fee Waiver, may collect information not requested on the FAFSA. These forms help the institution award its own funds and must be returned to the college or university directly.
As noted earlier, many employers, organizations, and community-based agencies offering scholarships require students to complete separate applications.
Many colleges will request copies of student and parent 2018 federal tax returns and other income documentation. We suggest the student and parents complete their 2018 federal income tax forms as soon as possible. Make sure to keep copies of these forms along with all schedules and W-2’s.
Also, be sure to submit any required applications or requested documents by the published deadlines. At many institutions, failure to meet a deadline may jeopardize student eligibility for grants and other types of aid. We cannot emphasize this enough – don’t miss out on financial aid or college opportunities by missing a deadline.

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FAFSA/CADAA Changes

FAFSA

Shorter form with only 46 questions
Removal of save key
List up to 20 colleges
Gifts to Students

Distributions from 529 college savings plans owned by a non-custodial parent or grandparent no longer affect aid eligibility

The parent who provides 50%+ of financial support should be the contributor
Family size is now based on:

Student
Parent(s) or spouse (if any)
Dependents from applicable federal income tax return

New Terminology

Contributor: anyone asked to provide information on a student’s FAFSA
Consent: all contributors must provide consent for federal tax data to be: transferred, used, and shared
SAI: Student Aid Index (SAI), formerly Estimated Family Contribution (EFC)
FSS: FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS), formerly Student Aid Report (SAR)

CADAA

Question about Dream Service Incentive Grant (DSIG)
AB540 Affidavit
Electronic Parent Signature BEFORE Submission

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CSS Profile

Required by some public & private schools
Different deadlines for each institution
Does not award federal/state grants; used to determine institutional aid
Cost:

$25 for initial applications
$16 for each school report
Fee waivers available

https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/

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CSS Profile vs. FAFSA/CADAA

CSS Profile requires A LOT more details than the FAFSA/CADAA, such as:

Information about Non-Custodial Parent
Equity in Family Home
Trust Funds
Medical Spending Accounts
Siblings’ Assets in Parent’s Name
Siblings’ K-12 Private School Tuition
Total Retirement Savings
Non-Retirement Annuities
Other Valuables

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What Students Will Need

General student information (name, SSN/Permanent Residency Card, DOB, driver’s license)
Parent(s) information (name, SSN/Permanent Residency Card/ITIN, DOB)
Student and Parent

2023 W-2 and 1099 Forms and records of money earned and other taxable benefits
2023 federal income tax form (even if not yet completed)
Records of untaxed income
Current bank statements
Business, farms, and other real estate records
Records of stocks, bonds, and other investments

Parent(s) marital status + marital date
Household size & number in college
College information
Signature (StudentAid.gov Account for FAFSA; Electronic Parent Signature for CADAA)

**Note: Only include financial information of biological, step-parent, or adoptive parent. Do not include information about grandparents, aunts/uncles, foster parents, etc.

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FAFSA on the Web (FOTW)

Internet application used by students and parents to complete electronic FAFSA at:

www.studentaid.gov/fafsa

Sophisticated online edit checks and skip logic help avoid errors
Online help is available for each question
All contributors will need a StudentAid.gov Account to login, complete, and sign FAFSA

www.studentaid.gov/fsa-id

Who fills out what: Applications based on students’ status NOT parents

FAFSA

US citizens, Permanent Residents certain visa holders
T Visa- FAFSA, Victims of prostitution or human trafficking
H Visa, H-1 and H-4, do not qualify for federal or state aid

CA Dream Act

U Visa or TPS- CA Dream Act make sure to check AB 540 requirements
U Visa- victims of crime who have suffered substantial mental or physical abuse as a result of the Crime
Pathway to permanent residency after 3 years during which time students have a for work purpose SSN
Once students becomes resident SSN is the same however must go through process to unrestricted SSN

FAFSA on the Web (FOTW)

The primary benefit of using FAFSA on the Web (FOTW) is that the processing time is significantly reduced. Students and schools receive a response from the federal processor more quickly, which in turn assists schools in preparing a more timely notification of eligibility for financial aid. (This is a definite advantage if the student is trying to decide between two or more schools.)

Other benefits are:

Fewer errors on the form. Built-in edit checks will not allow the family to go to the next section if something is left incomplete in a prior section. Before submitting the FOTW, the program will do a final review of the entire application, checking for missing and/or conflicting information.
Thanks to skip-logic, there are fewer questions to complete. This means that the student will not be asked questions that do not apply. (Example: unmarried students will not be asked questions about a spouse.)
In many cases, drop down boxes are provided so the family can choose from a selection of responses.
Families who have submitted their 2018 federal income tax returns may be able to transfer IRS data directly to the FOTW.
As soon as the FOTW is submitted, a Confirmation page can be printed to instantly verify that the application has been submitted. This page will contain a Confirmation Stamp showing the date and time that the FOTW was successfully submitted.

To take full advantage of the FAFSA on the Web, remember that both the student and one of his or her custodial parents must have a federal PIN to electronically sign the FOTW.

NOTE: For the remainder of this presentation, the terms FAFSA and FAFSA on the Web (FOTW) will be used interchangeably.

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Using a StudentAid.gov Account

to Sign the FAFSA

The StudentAid.gov Account will allow contributors to access, complete, and electronically sign the online version of the FAFSA with a user-selected username and password.
This login process is secure, since it eliminates the need for contributors to provide personally identifiable information (PII), such as their name, date of birth and Social Security Number (SSN), every time they access U.S. Department of Education web sites.
Permits self-service password retrieval by email or phone number without requiring the applicant to reveal PII. It also allows for name changes (e.g., through marriage) without requiring an application for a new StudentAid.gov Account.
All contributors should get an StudentAid.gov Account ASAP as many families have reported challenges in creating and using the StudentAid.gov Account.

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StudentAid.gov Account Problems

Many problems caused by parents creating a StudentAid.gov Account for the student or vice versa

An email address can be used with just one StudentAid.gov Account
Don’t swap the student/parent name, date of birth or Social Security Number
Student Social Security Number already in use error often caused by parent creating a StudentAid.gov Account for the student without telling the student
FAFSA should be started with the student StudentAid.gov Account, not the parent StudentAid.gov Account

Look for a space or extra period or doubled letters in the email address
Write down the username, password and answers to challenge questions
Three unsuccessful login attempts will lock the StudentAid.gov Account

Password must be changed after unlocking the StudentAid.gov Account or it will immediately relock
Secure code must be entered within 10 minutes, so check spam or junk mail folder
30 minute delay before StudentAid.gov Account can be used if unlocked using challenge questions

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StudentAid.gov Account

Create an StudentAid.gov Account - studentaid.gov/fsa-id

Make sure Name & Social Security Number entered MATCHES the Social Security Card!

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Creating a StudentAid.gov Account

Creating a StudentAid.gov Account is a 7 step process. Information needed includes:

Legal Name (as it appears on your social security card)
Social Security Number (as it appears on your social security card),

if applicable

Personal email address
Cell phone number

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StudentAid.gov Account FOR NON-SSN HOLDERS

StudentAid.gov Account holders are now able to choose “I don’t have a Social Security Number”.

They will then receive this pop-up reminder to ensure they are choosing the correct option.

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StudentAid.gov Account FOR NON-SSN HOLDERS

Non-SSN Holders will now have a “Identity Verification” section where they will need to answer a few knowledge-based questions to verify identity.

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StudentAid.gov Account FOR NON-SSN HOLDERS

Identity verification has been PAUSED for the 2025-26 application cycle.

FSA is working on improving their identity verification process (i.e accepting additional types of documents) and their tax information retrieval process for non-SSN holders.
The attestation process will now be embedded into the account creation process.

Documentation for identity verification will no longer be accepted at this time.
FSA Electronic Announcement

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Guidance for Mixed-Status Families

Ensure students are properly informed about current data protection policies.

Under the Higher Education Act, data submitted to Department of Education is protected and only utilized for determining eligibility for and awarding federal financial aid.

For the 2025-26 application cycle, CADAA will remain open for students who SHOULD file a FAFSA but are unable to for whatever purpose.

CSAC also protects student data provided on the CADAA and uses the information only for determining eligibility for and awarding state financial aid. More information HERE.

Doing this will allow CALIFORNIA institutions to receive financial aid application information from students to create a financial aid award package.
Students are still eligible to receive state financial but CADAA DOES NOT make students eligible for federal aid.
Best Practice: Track students in this predicament to best support them with filing the FAFSA at a later date.

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Getting Started on FOTW

STUDENT PERSPECTIVE

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Getting Started on FOTW

Section 1 – Personal Circumstances

Section 2 – Demographics

Section 3 – Financials

Section 4 – Colleges

Section 5 – Signature

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Getting Started on FOTW

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Getting Started on FOTW

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Getting Started on FOTW

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Student Identity Information

Double check the student’s Name and Social Security Number when entering it on the FOTW

Both student name and Social Security Number will be compared through a database match

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Student State of Legal Residence

Students should input the MONTH and YEAR of when they became a legal resident of their state

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Consent & Approval

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Consent & Approval

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Consent & Approval

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Section 1: Personal Circumstances

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Dependency Status

Series of questions to determine if a student is DEPENDENT or INDEPENDENT for federal and state financial aid purposes.

If the student answers NO to all questions:

Makes the student dependent
MUST submit parent information

If the student answers YES to any question:

Makes the student independent
NOT REQUIRED to provide parent information

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Section 1: Marital Status

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Section 1: College or Career School Plans

When the student begins the 2025-2026 school year, what will be their grade level?

First year
Second year
Other undergraduate (junior and beyond)
Master’s, doctorate, or graduate certificate program

When the student begins the 2025-2026 school year, will they already have their first bachelor’s degree?

Students starting college in 2025-26 should mark “NO” to this question
Only students who will be pursuing a graduate or professional degree during 2025-26 should mark “Yes”

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Section 1: Personal Circumstances

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Dependency Status

Dependent students are required to report parent information on the FAFSA. Unless, they have a special circumstance
A student is considered to be dependent even if:

The student is financially self-sufficient
The student does not live with his or her parents
The student is not claimed as an exemption on the parent’s federal income tax returns
The parents refuse to complete the FAFSA, participate in verification, pay for college or live in a foreign country

Criteria for Independent Student Status

Age 24 as of Dec. 31st of the award year
Married
Graduate student
Has children who receive more than half their support from the student
Has other dependents who live with the student and receive more than half support from the student
Active duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training
Veteran
After reaching age 13 was an orphan, in foster care or a ward of the court
Court-ordered emancipated minor prior to reaching the age of majority
Court-ordered legal guardianship
Unaccompanied youth who is homeless or self-supporting and at risk of homelessness

College FAAs can grant a dependency override in unusual circumstances

In 1992 and before, a student could be considered independent if they earned at least $4,000 a year and was not claimed on their parents’ federal income tax return for two years. This so-called Bright-Line Test was prone to abuse, so Congress repealed it, replacing it with the current set of Dependency Status questions.

FAFSA on the Web includes intelligent skip logic. If the student answers “yes” to one of the dependency status questions, FAFSA on the Web may skip the remaining dependency status questions.

Comments on Dependency Status Questions:

Veteran must have served at least one day on active duty (including for basic training) and been discharged under any condition other than “dishonorable”. The character of service appears in Box 24 of the DD-214. (This includes Honorable, Under Honorable Conditions (General), Under Other Than Honorable Conditions, Bad Conduct and Uncharacterized.) This is different than the veteran status for VA benefits. ROTC students are not considered veterans.
A student who is an orphan, in foster care or ward of the court at any point after reaching age 13 is considered independent, even if the student is subsequently adopted or is no longer in foster care when the FAFSA is filed. A student who is adopted prior to reaching age 13 is not considered to be an orphan on the FAFSA.
Ward of the court is not the same as ward of the state. Incarceration does not make a student independent.
Emancipation as part of a divorce decree (to indicate the end of child support obligations when the child reaches the age of majority) does not make a student an emancipated minor.
A guardianship drafted by an attorney is not sufficient. It must be determined by a court in the student’s state of legal residence. If the student’s parent or stepparent is the guardian, that is not sufficient. Legal custody does not qualify as legal guardianship.
The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth website provides a form that can help verify a student’s homeless status at www.naehcy.org/dl/uy_fafsa_verif.doc

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Section 1: Other Circumstances

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Section 1: Other Circumstances

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Section 1: Your Dependency Status

Students will be deemed PROVISIONALLY INDEPENDENT if they choose:

“None of these apply” to the Personal Circumstances
“Yes” to the Other Circumstances AND
“None of these apply” to the question regarding who determined the students was homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Students will be deemed INDEPENDENT if they choose:

Any of the Personal Circumstances OR
“Yes” to the Other Circumstances AND that one of the options provided determined that the student was homeless or at risk of being homeless

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Section 1: Unusual Circumstances

Student who answer …

“None of these apply” to the Personal Circumstances AND
“NO” to the Other Circumstances

will be provided the “Student Unusual Circumstances” question.

Answering “YES” = Provisionally Independent Student

Answering “NO” = …

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Section 1: Your Dependency Status

Students will be deemed DEPENDENT if they choose:

“None of these apply” to the Personal Circumstances
“Yes” to the Other Circumstances AND
“None of these apply” to the question regarding who determined the students was homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Students should answer “NO”, which is the default choice

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Section 1: Who is a Parent?

Who is considered a parent?

Biological or adoptive parent(s)

Including same-sex parents
Including unmarried parents living together

In case of divorced or separated parents who don’t live together, provide information about the parent who provided 50%+ financial support for the student in the last 12 months
Stepparent (regardless of any prenuptial agreements), if currently married to the student’s custodial parent

Parent Demographics: Who is Considered a Parent

Before starting this section, listen carefully to help determine who is considered a parent in this section. Students and their parents must answer all the questions in Section 4 as of the date they complete and submit the FOTW. These instructions apply even if you do not live with your legal parents but are still required to provide parental information on your 2020-21 FAFSA.

If the biological or adoptive parents are both living and married to each other, answer the questions about both of them. This includes same-sex parents and all unmarried parents living in the same household.
If the parent is widowed or single (that is, never married), answer the questions about that parent.
If the widowed or divorced parent is remarried as of the day the FAFSA is submitted, answer the questions about that parent and the person to whom the parent is married (the student’s stepparent).
If the parents are divorced or separated, answer the questions about the parent the student lived with more during the past 12 months. If the student lived with both parents equally, submit financial data about the parent who provided the greater amount of support. If that parent is remarried, include step parent information.
The term "parent" is not restricted to biological parents. There are instances (such as when a grandparent legally adopts the applicant) in which a person other than a biological parent is treated as a parent, and in these instances, the parental questions on the application must be answered, since they apply to such an individual (or individuals).
An adoptive parent is treated in the same manner as a biological parent on the FAFSA.
A stepparent is also treated in the same manner as a biological parent if the stepparent is married, as of the date of application, to the biological parent whose information will be reported on the FAFSA, or if the stepparent has legally adopted the student. There are no exceptions. Prenuptial agreements do not exempt the stepparent from providing required data on the FAFSA. The stepparent's income information for the entire base year 2018 must be reported even if the parent and stepparent were not married until after the start of 2019, but were married prior to the date the FAFSA was submitted.

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Section 1: Who is Not a Parent?

Do NOT provide information on:

Foster parents or legal guardians

If the student is in foster care or has a legal guardian, they are automatically considered an independent student

Grandparents or other relatives are not considered parents unless they have adopted the student

If this is not the case, the student must attempt to get biological parental information
Colleges may use Professional Judgment to allow the student to file as independent

Who is NOT a Parent? (Continued)

A foster parent, legal guardian, grandparent or other relatives - such as aunts, uncles, or older siblings - are not considered as parents for purposes of filing a FAFSA unless that person has legally adopted the applicant.

If students are in this situation, they should contact the financial aid office at the colleges or universities they are most likely to attend before completing the FAFSA.

Again, students should not provide any financial information about

Foster parent(s) or legal guardians because a foster child or a child who has a legal guardian is automatically considered an independent student
Grandparents or other relatives; Students living with grandparents or other relatives must attempt to get biological parent information

Colleges may consider using Professional Judgment to make the student independent in rare cases.

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Section 1: Student’s Parents

In both of these scenarios, the student would need to provide information for both of their legal (biological or adoptive) parents

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Section 1: Student’s Parents

NOTE: if both parents provided an exact equal amount of financial support or if they don’t support the student financially, select “No,” and refer to the parent with the greater income or assets in next question.

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Section 1: Student’s Parents

Students can invite one or both parents to provide information on the FAFSA.

NOTE:

If parents are married and filed jointly, only ONE parent will need to be invited as a contributor.
If parents are married and filed separately OR not married but living together, they will BOTH need to provide information, thus both will need their own StudentAid.gov Account.

If a parent does not have a SSN, they will be asked to provide their mailing address instead.

Once student clicks “SEND INVITE”, the Continue button will appear.

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Section 1: Student’s Parents

Students can invite one or both parents to provide information on the FAFSA.

NOTE:

If parents are married and filed jointly, only ONE parent will need to be invited as a contributor.
If parents are married and filed separately OR not married but living together, they will BOTH need to provide information, thus both will need their own StudentAid.gov Account.

If a parent does not have a SSN, they will be asked to provide their mailing address instead.

Once student clicks “SEND INVITE”, the Continue button will appear.

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Section 1: Student’s Parents

Students can invite one or both parents to provide information on the FAFSA.

NOTE:

If parents are married and filed jointly, only ONE parent will need to be invited as a contributor.
If parents are married and filed separately OR not married but living together, they will BOTH need to provide information, thus both will need their own StudentAid.gov Account.

If a parent does not have a SSN, they will be asked to provide their mailing address instead.

Once student clicks “SEND INVITE”, the Continue button will appear.

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Section 1: Student’s Parents Summary

If parents are married

and file taxes together = only one parent needs an account
and didn’t file together = both parents need accounts

If parents are unmarried + living together

both parents need accounts

If parents are divorced/separated + NOT living together

the parent who provided more financial support in the last 12 months needs an account

If that parent has remarried and didn’t file taxes together = both parent and step-parent need accounts

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Section 2: Student Demographics

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Section 2: Student Demographics

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Section 2: Student Citizenship Status

If U.S. citizen, status will be confirmed by Social Security match
If eligible noncitizen, status will be confirmed by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) match. This includes:

U.S. permanent residents with I-551
Conditional permanent residents with I-551C
The holder of an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security showing any of the following designations: “Refugee,” “Asylum Granted,” “Parolee” (I-94 confirms paroled for a minimum of one year and status has not expired), T-Visa holder (T-1, T-2, T-3, etc.) or “Cuban-Haitian Entrant;”
The holder of a valid certification or eligibility letter from the Department of Health and Human Services showing a designation of “Victim of human trafficking.”
A resident of the Republic of Palau (PW), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (MH), or the Federated States of Micronesia (FM)
Canadian-born Native American under terms of the Jay Treaty

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Section 2: Eligible Noncitizen

If eligible noncitizen, write in the student’s 7-9 digit Alien Registration Number (ARN)

Copy of the student’s Permanent Registration Card may be requested by the financial aid office

If neither a citizen nor eligible noncitizen, the student is ineligible for federal aid. Such students should check with their college financial aid office for other aid opportunities.
If the student is undocumented and meets the qualifications as defined by AB 540, they may be eligible for state financial aid. Learn more at www.caldreamact.org

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Section 2: Questions About Parents

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Section 2: High School Completion Status

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Section 2: Search for HS

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Section 3: Your Finances

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Section 3: Your Finances

2023 and 2024

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Section 3: Your Finances

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Section 4: Select Colleges

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Section 4: Select Colleges

The student will be asked to enter the location and name or the federal school code for each school to which they want FOTW information sent

If the student does not know the federal school code, enter the state in which the college/university is located and search for the federal school code by the college/university name

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Section 4: Select Colleges

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Section 4: School Selection

Strategies for Listing Colleges

List a California college or university first (for Cal Grant consideration)
Then list those colleges with the earliest financial aid deadlines, regardless of whether they are in-state or out-of-state
If the student is applying to more than 20 colleges, wait for the processed FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) and then add additional colleges, deleting previous colleges if necessary

Via the Web, using the student StudentAid.gov Account
By phone, using the DRN from the SAR

NOTE: Each UC and CSU campus must be listed separately

School Selection (continued): Strategies for Listing Colleges

Here are some tips for completing Section 2 — especially if the student is applying for financial aid at more than ten colleges or universities or scholarship programs.

Students should make sure to list a California college or university first to ensure Cal Grant consideration. Then, list the colleges with the earliest financial aid deadlines, regardless of the state where the colleges are located. Students should make sure to include their first and second choice colleges. It’s important to keep in mind that the U.S. Department of Education's processor will send data to only ten colleges at a time for a student.

Students applying to more than ten colleges can add additional colleges when they receive their processed Student Aid Report (SAR). We strongly recommend that students sending their financial aid information to a large number of colleges use FAFSA on the Web and sign the form using StudentAid.gov Accounts. This will make adding additional colleges easier and faster. If the students add colleges by phone, they will need their DRN which can be found on the SAR.

If the student originally listed ten colleges on the application and then replaced all ten with new colleges by changing his/her SAR, only the second set of ten colleges will get new data from any subsequent corrections made to the FAFSA data. In this case, the student should alert colleges in the first group of any changes.

Financial aid is awarded by each individual college or university campus. Therefore, each UC and CSU campus to which the student is applying for financial aid must be listed separately in Section 2 of the FOTW.

For Cal Grant Entitlement purposes, if a student decides to attend a college that is not the first choice listed on the FAFSA, the student should contact the California Student Aid Commission. Later in the presentation, we will provide more information about managing your Cal Grant online.

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Section 5: Review & Sign

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Section 5: Review & Sign

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Section 5: Review & Sign

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Getting Started on FOTW

CONTRIBUTOR (PARENT) PERSPECTIVE

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Getting Started on FOTW

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Getting Started on FOTW

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Getting Started on FOTW

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Consent & Approval

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Getting Started on FOTW

Section 1 – Demographics

Section 2 – Financials

Section 3 – Signature

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Section 1: Parent Demographics

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Section 1: Parent Demographics

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Section 1: Parent Demographics

NOTE:

This is NOT inviting the second parent to be a contributor. Since the parents are married, information about the other parent is still needed.

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Section 1: Parent Demographics

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Section 2: Finances

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Tax Filing Income Threshold

Thresholds as provided by IRS:

Single: $13,850
Married, filing jointly (both spouses under 65): $27,700
Married, filing jointly (one spouse under 65): 29,200
Married, filing jointly (both spouses over 65): 30,700
Head of Household* (under 65): $20,800
Head of Household* (over 65): 22,650

*(Defined as an unmarried or “considered unmarried” taxpayer who paid more than half the cost of keeping up a home)

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Section 2: Federal Benefits & Tax Filing Status

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Section 2: Family Size & # In College

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Always include the student even if they will attend college less than half-time in 2025-2026
Include other household members only if they will attend at least half-time in 2025-2026 in a program that leads to a college degree or certificate
Never include the parents in the number in college
NOTE: Some financial aid offices will require documentation that other family members are attending college

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Section 2: Tax Return Information

101

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Section 2: Parent Asset(s)

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If asked, parents should report the annual child support received, current balances of their parents’ cash, savings, and checking accounts as of the day they complete the FOTW
Provide information about the net value of parent investments such as real estate, rental property, money market and mutual funds, stocks, bonds and other securities
In addition, they may be asked questions about the net value of parent businesses and investment farms
They should not include the home in which they live or the value of life insurance and retirement plans

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Section 3: Review

103

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Section 3: Sign

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NOTE:

Since the application is FULLY completed, the parent will see “Sign and Submit”

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Section 3: Confirmation

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Student & Parent Finances

CONSENT DECLINED

IRS INFORMATION IS NOT ABLE TO BE FOUND/PULLED

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Student & Parent Finances

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Tax Return Filing Status

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Tax Return Filing Status

109

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Student & Parent Finances

110

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Student & Parent Finances

111

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Student & Parent Finances

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Student & Parent Finances

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