APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID
Billions of dollars are available to help students attend college.
What should I do to get started?
Start by downloading the Financial Aid Guide for California Foster and Unaccompanied Homeless Youth. This comprehensive guide takes students step by step through the application process.
Students can also find help at a FAFSA Workshop (between October and June) or from a high school counselor. Independent Living Programs may offer workshops targeted to foster youth. Once you’re ready to apply, you may follow the steps below.
California has several financial aid programs just for foster youth, including the Chafee Grant and Cal Grant for Foster Youth. Foster youth are also eligible to receive higher amounts through the Middle Class Scholarship Program and Student Success Completion Grant.
complete the following steps :
- Submit the FAFSA – The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is required for all federal financial aid and most state aid.
- Students without citizenship or a green card who don’t qualify for federal aid can submit a CA Dream Act Application.
- Student who were in foster care at any point after the age of 13, or in a legal guardianship, do not need to provide income information for their parent or guardian.
- Students are strongly encouraged to apply by March 2. Students who miss this deadline should apply as soon as possible.
- Apply for the Chafee Grant – Youth who were in foster care between 16 and 18 who are under age 26 can receive up to $5,000. A separate application is required in addition to the FAFSA or CADAA.
- Create a WebGrants Account – Once your FAFSA or CADAA is processed, create a WebGrants account to manage your Cal Grant and Chafee Grant online at mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov.
- Verify that your high school GPA was submitted – If your high school GPA was 2.0 or above, you may be eligible for a Cal Grant. Your high school should automatically submit your GPA but it is important to confirm that your high school has done this by checking your WebGrants account at mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov.
- Provide Verification as Requested – The financial aid office may ask students to provide verification that they were in foster care or verification of their income. Students can request a letter from the child welfare agency that has or had jurisdiction over their case, an Independent Living Program or the Office of the Foster Care Ombudsperson by calling (877) 846-1602.
