1. Applying for Financial Aid
Thank you for coming to our California Cash for College workshop.
Today, we will be discussing how to apply for financial aid

2. Who are we?
Chris Rosado Students with last names A-E Lesley Carver Students with last names F-L Michele Scribner Students with last names M-Q Michele Berberena Students with last name R-Z
Counselors introduce themselves

3. What Will You Learn At This Workshop?
Types and sources of financial aid
Required financial aid application forms
How to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) and the Cal Grant GPA Verification Process
Answers to your individual questions
Today we will cover some general information about financial aid and how to apply. After the presentation we will provide you with an opportunity to get individual help in completing your FAFSA on the Web or Dream Act Application. Please be sure to complete the online exit survey to get a chance to win the scholarship.

4. 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
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 demonstrated financial need.
Scholarships are generally based on talent and/or merit.
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.

5. Cal Grant Entitlement Awards
Cal Grant A
Cal Grant B
For high school seniors, recent high school grads, and transfer students
For high school seniors, recent high school grads
GPA of at least 3.0 for high school students and 2.4 for transfer students
GPA of at least 2.0 for high school students and 2.4 for transfer students
Family income and assets below state ceilings
Family income and assets below state ceilings
From disadvantaged or low income families
Must demonstrate financial need
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. Grade Point Average (usually referred to as the GPA) is an important eligibility criterion for these grants. Awarded grants may be renewed if students and their families continue to meet all eligibility requirements.
Cal Grant A - To be eligible, students need a minimum 3.0 GPA as a high school student or recent high school graduate. This grant currently covers system-wide fees at the California State University and University of California campuses and up to $9,084 of tuition and fees at independent California colleges and universities.
Cal Grant B - This grant is for students who have a minimum 2.0 GPA as high school students. These students are low income disadvantaged families, who meet state income and asset ceilings and demonstrate financial need of at least $700. This grant provides a small stipend of about $1,672 per year for up to four years to help with living expenses at all schools. In addition, the grant covers system-wide fees at California public 4-year institutions and up to $9,084 of tuition and fees at independent 4-year California schools. Students attending for-profit career colleges currently receive grants between $4,000 and $9,084 per year. In most cases, the tuition and fee portion of the Cal Grant B is available to students in their 2nd through 4th years only.

6. Cal Grants (continued)
Competitive Cal Grant A and B
Awarded to eligible students:
who demonstrate financial need
who come from disadvantaged or low-income families
whose family income and assets are below the state ceilings
Cal Grant C Awards - for students from low income families pursuing vocational programs of study
Cal Grants (Continued)
Competitive Cal Grants are awarded to students who don’t meet the entitlement criteria of being a recent high school graduate or transfer student. The Commission is mandated to award 25,875 students but students still have to meet eligibility requirements.
Cal Grant C - This grant is for students from low-income families attending occupational or vocational schools including community college programs of less than 24 months in length. The Cal Grant C may be renewable for one additional year if the student and family continue to meet state-established income and asset ceilings.
Priority for Cal Grant C is now given based on Occupational Goals that meet two of the following:
High employment need or demand
High employment growth or industry cluster
High salary and wage projections
Economic Security

7. Eligibility for Cal Grants
To be eligible for a Cal Grant, the student must also:
be a U.S. citizen, or eligible non-citizen
Or be eligible for an exemption under Assembly Bill (AB) 540 (including AB 540- eligible Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students
be a California resident
attend an eligible, accredited California college or university at least half-time
To be eligible for a Cal Grant, the student must also:
be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen. If a student qualifies under Assembly Bill (AB) 540, he/she may qualify for Cal Grant funding. This includes Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals (DACA) who are AB540 eligible. be a California resident; and
attend an accredited California college or university at least half-time in the academic year and each subsequent term the student is enrolled.

8. Cal Grant Application Requirements
By March 2, complete and submit:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at
If eligible under Assembly Bill 540 students should complete the California Dream Act Application at dream.csac.ca.gov
Check on your Cal Grant status by creating an account at
mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov
ALL seniors GPAs will automatically be uploaded to the CSAC website by November 30th.
In order for a student to be considered for a first-time 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.
Students who may be eligible for Cal Grants under AB540 should complete the California Dream Act application at instead of the FAFSA. This includes AB540 eligible DACA students. Students with a Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status should also check with the colleges and universities to which they apply for admission to see if they should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other forms, but should complete the California Dream Act Application first.
Serrano has already submitted all seniors GPA to CSAC for the school year. This should enable students to know if they are Cal Grant eligible as soon as possible.

9. Possible Cal Grant and Federal Pell Maximum Awards
Cal Grant* (From $5,742 to $12,630)
 FAFSA or – the California Dream Act Application (CDAA)
 Verified GPA
 Apply by March 2
Federal Pell Grant (up to $6,095)
 FAFSA
= $11,837 to $18, annually depending on the college/university the
student attends and financial need
* Check for eligible schools at: +
If the student qualifies for Cal Grant, amounts vary depending on the college/university attended, financial need, year in college (full- or part-time)
If the student qualifies for the Federal Pell Grant, amounts vary depending on family contribution and enrollment status (full- or part-time)
Other eligibility requirements may apply
Possible Cal Grant and Federal Pell Grant Maximum Awards Received during Academic Year
The chart to the right on the slide shows that a student who qualifies for both a Cal Grant A and a Federal Pell Grant, may receive from $11,392 to $18,550 depending on the college or university attended.
If students qualify for a Cal Grant, amounts vary depending on the California college or university the student attends, demonstrated financial need, year in college, and enrollment status (full- or part-time).
If the student qualifies for the Federal Pell Grant, amounts vary depending on family contribution and enrollment status (full- or part-time).

10. Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)
Undergraduate students with family incomes and net worth of assets of up to $171,000 who:
Submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application by March 2
attend a UC or CSU
are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or have AB 540 status, and
are California residents
Annual award amounts:
To be determined by the California Student Aid Commission but vary from 10-40% of system-wide tuition costs
Student Aid Commission awards MCS in July 2018
The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) is designed to assist new and continuing UC and CSU undergraduate students with family incomes up to $156,000 and net worth of assets up to $156,000.
To apply for the MCS, students must submit, by March 2, the:
- FAFSA
- For AB540 students, the California Dream Act Application
MCS awards vary based on the number of eligible students, the institution, and state funding allocated. In , maximum awards ranged up to $3,690 for UCs and $1,644 for CSUs .
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 CSAC. CSAC will also determine the maximum awards.
The MCS does not automatically renew; therefore, students must reapply for the MCS each year.

11. 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
To be eligible, foster youth must be a current or former foster youth who was a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18 and not have reached their 22nd birthday as of July 1 of the award year
Current or former foster youth are encouraged to apply during their senior year of high school as early as October 1
To apply, foster youth must complete:
FAFSA
California Chafee Grant Program Application
AB540 students may also be eligible
Chaffee 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, current or former foster youth must have been in California foster care on their 16th birthday and may not have reached their 22nd birthday before July 1 of the award year.
Students are encouraged to apply during their senior year of high school, as soon as possible on or after October 1.
To apply, the foster youth must complete:
- 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 apply for a
Chafee Grant, go to:

12. FAFSA Information & Tips
File early, but no later than March 2, for the Cal Grants
Use estimated 2017 income information if taxes are not complete at time of FAFSA or CDAA submission
Most people will have filed their federal income tax returns by October 1, 2018
Do not use 2018 income and tax information
Student and at least one parent whose information is reported must complete and sign the FAFSA
It is important to submit the FAFSA as early as possible after October 1, but no later than March 2, to be considered for a Cal Grant.
Remember, families should report estimated student and parent income information if their federal income tax forms have not been completed at the time they submit the FAFSA. Most people will have filed their prior year federal income tax returns by October 1.
Do not use current year income and tax information. Appeal to the college for a professional judgment review if current year income is lower than prior year.
The student and at least one parent whose information is reported on the FAFSA must complete and sign the FAFSA. This parent is often referred to as the custodial parent.

13. Scholarships – see our updated website

14. Section 2 School Selection
FAFSA on the Web allows the student to list up to 10 colleges/universities that will receive student and parent information
The list of colleges will not be shared with the colleges listed on the FAFSA. It is, however, shared with state grant agencies who may base eligibility for state grants on whether a state college is listed first on the form
The student should list first the California school he/she is most likely to attend
The student may re-order his/her school choices
Then, list other schools to which the student is applying for admission
In Section 2 of the FOTW, students may list up to ten schools and/or scholarship programs to which they want their information sent. If students want to send their information to more than ten schools, they can delete and add schools when they receive their electronic SAR Acknowledgement or paper SAR.
The list of colleges will not be shared with the colleges listed on the FAFSA. It is, however, shared with state grant agencies who may base eligibility for state grants on whether a state college is listed first on the form
First, list the California school the student is most likely to attend, and then list others to which he/she is applying for admission. If the student is awarded a Cal Grant, the student’s award at that college or university will be determined by the California Student Aid Commission.
After entering schools on FOTW, the student may change the order of the schools by following the simple directions found in this section.
There are some additional features in this section of FOTW that allow students to find more detailed information about each school they list in this section.

15. IRS Data Retrieval Tool
IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT)
Note to Presenters: Check to ensure you have internet access before beginning this presentation.
Assuming you do, click on this link:
to show the 2-minute video on how to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool from
UCSB to your session attendees. If you do not have access to the internet and sound, hide and skip this slide.

16. Section 5 - Parent Dislocated Worker
The student will be asked to check if parent 1 and/or parent 2 is a dislocated worker
A person may be considered a dislocated worker if he or she:
lost his/her job
has been laid off or received a layoff notice
is receiving unemployment benefits due to being laid off or is losing a job and is unlikely to return to a previous occupation
is self-employed but is unemployed due to economic conditions or natural disaster
is the spouse of an active duty member of the Armed Forces and has experienced a loss of employment because of relocating due to permanent change in duty station
is a displaced homemaker
A displaced homemaker is generally a person who previously provided unpaid services to the family (e.g., a stay-at-home mom or dad), is no longer supported by the husband or wife, is unemployed, and is having trouble finding or upgrading employment
The student will be asked if Parent 1 and/or Parent 2 is a dislocated worker.
A parent may be considered a dislocated worker if he or she:
lost his/her job;
has been laid off or received a layoff notice;
is receiving unemployment benefits due to being laid off or is losing a job and is unlikely to return to a previous occupation;
is self-employed but is unemployed due to economic conditions or natural disaster;
is the spouse of an active duty member of the Armed Forces and has experienced a loss of employment because of relocating due to permanent change in duty station; or
is a displaced homemaker.
A displaced homemaker is generally a person who previously provided unpaid services to the family (e.g., a stay-at-home mom or dad), is no longer supported by the husband or wife, is unemployed, and is having trouble finding or upgrading employment
These definitions will be available on FOTW, so don’t worry about remembering all this information

17. Special Circumstances
Contact the Financial Aid Office if there are circumstances which affect a family’s ability to pay for college such as:
Loss or reduction in parent or student income or assets
Death or serious illness
Natural disasters affecting parent income or assets such as the recent California wind storms, wild fires, floods, or mudslides
Unusual medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance
Reduction in child support, Social Security benefits or other untaxed benefit
High unreimbursed dependent costs for a special needs child
Financial responsibility for elderly grandparents, or
Any other unusual circumstances that affect a family’s ability to contribute to higher education
Many families have special circumstances not reflected by the questions on the FAFSA. Families are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office at each of the schools to which they are applying for admission and financial aid if there are significant changes in their circumstances such as:
A loss or reduction in parent or student income or assets
A death or serious illness
Natural disasters that affect parent income or assets – this is especially true for any family adversely affected by the recent California wind storms, wildfires, floods, or mudslides
Unusual medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance
Reduction in child support or Social Security benefits
High unreimbursed dependent costs for a special needs child
Financial responsibility for elderly grandparents, or
Any other unusual circumstances that affect a family’s ability to contribute to higher education.
If the family feels there are special circumstances that may affect their ability to contribute to college, it is important that they present their case in a way that helps the financial aid office understand their unique challenges. Some schools will provide special forms to help the family provide the appropriate new information. Families are encouraged to:
Contact the financial aid office for guidance
Write a detailed explanation of circumstances
Include student’s name, college or university ID#, and date of birth
Give specific financial details including the reasons why the circumstances affect the family’s ability to contribute
Attach supporting documentation
Send to the financial aid office at each school to which the student is applying for admission and financial aid
Each financial aid office will make its own decision about the effect the special circumstances have on a student’s need. Not all aid offices will be able to provide additional funds if there are special circumstances, but they might be able to suggest other options.

18. Student Aid Report (SAR)
After the student completes the FAFSA on the Web, a SAR will be sent to the student
An electronic SAR Acknowledgement will be sent if student provides an address
A paper SAR will be mailed if no student address is provided
Student should contact FAFSA processor at FED-AID ( ) if SAR not received within two weeks
An electronic copy of the data will be sent to each college or university listed by the student in Section 2
Keep a copy of the SAR with other financial aid documents
Now, let’s look at the Student Aid Report.
A SAR Acknowledgement will be sent electronically if the student provides an
address on the FAFSA on the Web.
If the student does not provide a valid address, a paper SAR will be mailed to the student at the address entered on the FAFSA.
If the student does not receive the SAR within two weeks, he/she should contact the federal processor to check on the status of the FAFSA. Call FED AID (that’s ) or check on the status of your FAFSA by going to FAFSA.ed.gov using the student’s FSA ID.
The student can make corrections on the electronic or paper SAR as well as add additional colleges that will then be sent the student’s information.
Each college or university the student lists in Section 2 on the FAFSA will receive an Institutional Student Information Report or “ISIR.” This is an electronic record of all the information the family reported on the FAFSA.
Students should make sure to keep a copy of the SAR with the rest of their financial aid documents. Private scholarship agencies may require a copy of the SAR as part of their application materials.

19. What Happens Next?
Students and the colleges the student listed receive Student Aid Report (SAR) from federal processor ê
Students who complete FAFSA and Cal Grant GPA Verification Form receive California Aid Report (CAR)
Students and families review SAR and CAR for important information and accuracy of data
Colleges match admission records with FAFSA and other required financial aid forms to determine aid eligibility
Colleges provide notices of financial aid eligibility to admitted students who have completed all required financial aid forms
Always contact the college or university you plan to attend for important deadlines and additional information
What Happens Next
Shortly after completing the FOTW, the student should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the federal processor. The SAR summarizes the information the family provided on the FAFSA. Each school listed on the SAR will also receive the information electronically.
When the California Student Aid Commission evaluates the student’s FAFSA and Cal Grant GPA Verification Form, the student will receive a California Aid Report (CAR) that will provide the student with information about his/her Cal Grant eligibility.
Students who complete the CA Dream Act Application will be able to view their CalSAR immediately upon submitting their application.
Once each school receives the electronic SAR and all other required financial aid forms, and confirms the student’s admission status, the financial aid office will determine the student’s financial aid eligibility. Some schools may request that the student submit income documentation such as student and parent 2016 federal income tax returns (including W-2s,1099s, and all schedules and attachments) or 2016 Federal IRS Tax Transcripts, before sending the student a final determination of eligibility. The school will use these and any other requested information to verify the accuracy of the data provided on the FAFSA. Schools understand that many families have used estimated data.
A financial aid notification (commonly referred to as an award letter) describing the amounts and sources of aid the student has been awarded will be prepared for the student when the student’s financial aid application is complete. Most schools will wait until the student has been accepted for admission to notify him or her about financial aid eligibility. Some schools will mail a paper notification to the student; others may provide the award letter electronically.
In some cases, the student will be required to sign and return a copy of the financial aid notification, indicating whether he/she accepts or declines each source of aid.
If family circumstances change after the student completes the FAFSA and other required financial aid documents, make sure to contact the financial aid office at each school as soon as possible.

20. Check Your Cal Grant By opening a WebGrants Account, a student can:
Check Cal Grant award status 24/7
Confirm student’s high school graduation as required
Make changes to Cal Grant school choices
View how much a Cal Grant is worth at different California colleges and universities
View Cal Grant payment history
Create a WebGrants account at: mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov
Check Your Cal Grant
Students are encouraged to open a WebGrants account to manage their Cal Grant. After doing so, they can
Check their Cal Grant application and award status 24/7
Confirm their high school graduation as is required to receive a Cal Grant payment
Make changes to their Cal Grant school choices
View how much their Cal Grant may be worth at different California colleges and universities as well as
View their Cal Grant payment history
In addition, they can click on links to other financial aid information and web sites.
Students can create a WebGrants account at: webgrants4students.org

21. Keeping Your Financial Aid
To retain eligibility for financial aid in subsequent years, you must:
Generally maintain at least a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale;
Maintain at least half-time enrollment for federal student loans (Federal Pell Grant is prorated by enrollment status); and
Be passing enough classes to graduate within 150 percent of the normal time-frame for the degree. Note that while taking 12 credits is considered full-time for FSA purposes, to graduate on-time you'll need to take 15 credits each term
Keeping Your Aid
While Gift Aid does not need to be earned through employment, you must still earn your financial aid by taking and passing classes and by maintaining good grades.
To retain eligibility for financial aid in subsequent years, in addition to demonstrating financial need, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP). Students must generally maintain at least a 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale and be passing enough classes to graduate within 150 percent of the normal time-frame for the degree. For example, a student in a Bachelor’s degree program that normally requires four years of study is considered to be making satisfactory academic progress if the student’s progress is consistent with completion the requirements for a Bachelor’s degree within six years. Note that while taking 12 credits is considered full-time for Federal student aid purposes, to graduate on-time you'll need to take 15 credits each term

22. If You Need Help at Any Time
FAFSA on the Web – Live Help
Phone FED-AID ( ) or
TTY (hearing impaired):
FSAID problems:
the U.S. Department of Education at:
If You Need Help at Any Time
The U.S. Department of Education is always willing to provide assistance to students and families completing the FAFSA and to answer questions relating to federal financial aid.
The FOTW has help buttons right on the electronic form as you go through the application.
In addition, you can use the following:
FAFSA on the Web – Live Help;
Phone FED-AID (that’s ) or
TTY (hearing impaired):
FSAID problems: ; or
the U.S. Department of Education at:

23. Application Workshops
Every Wednesday in October & November Career Center 2 – 3 pm Oct. 24 & 31, Nov. 7, 14 & 28 Saturday, November 3rd from 8-12 (Saturday Academy) Nov 30th – ALL DAY – DEADLINE Let us help with college applications, FAFSA or CDAA

24. Q & A ? Q & A Questions Questions and Answers
We hope you have found this workshop helpful.
We will now be glad to answer any general questions you and your family might have.
After a brief question and answer period, volunteers will be available to help you complete the FAFSA on the Web, the Cal Grant GPA Verification Forms, and answer any questions about other financial aid documents.