Financial Aid Steps

If you need assistance with your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), visit our Application Assistance webpage for guidance, resources, and personalized support.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before you start your application, it’s essential to have all necessary documents on hand. Here’s what you may need:

• Social Security Number (if you have one)
• Driver’s License or State ID (if applicable)
• Tax Returns: For dependent students, your parents’ tax returns; for independent students, your own.
• W-2 Forms and Other Income Information
• Bank Statements and Records of Investments
• Records of Untaxed Income: Including child support, interest income, veterans’ non-education benefits, etc.
• FSA ID: Both you and a parent (if dependent) will need to create an FSA ID at fsaid.ed.gov to sign your FAFSA electronically.

Note: If you are a dependent student (in accordance with the Department of Education guidelines) you must also provide your parent(s).

Having these documents ready will make the application process quicker and smoother.

Step 2: Complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA)

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and CADAA (California Dream Act Application) determine your eligibility for federal and state aid.

FAFSA CA Dream Act Application

Which Application Should You Complete?

• U.S. Citizens or Eligible Noncitizens: Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
• Undocumented Students (AB 540 eligible): Complete the CADAA at dream.csac.ca.gov.

Tips for Completing the Application:

• Use Chabot College’s School Code: 001162. This ensures your application information is sent to Chabot College.
• Answer Questions Carefully: Especially those about income, dependents, and school selection.
• Indicate Your Dependency Status: If you’re a foster youth or “ward of the court,” you may qualify for maximum aid.

Deadlines:

• April 2: Priority deadline for maximum eligibility for Cal Grants and other state aid.
• September 2: Second deadline for community college students applying for Cal Grant.

Step 3: Review Your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) or CADAA Submission Summary

After submitting your financial aid application, you’ll receive a summary of your submission. This document provides important details about the information you provided and what steps to take next.

For FAFSA Applicants:

• You will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) via email or in your Federal Student Aid (FSA) account at studentaid.gov.
• The FSS summarizes the information from your FAFSA and includes your Student Aid Index (SAI), which determines your eligibility for federal aid like the Pell Grant and federal loans.
• Review the FSS carefully for accuracy. If you find any mistakes, log back into your FAFSA account to make corrections.

For California Dream Act Application (CADAA) Applicants:

• You will receive a CADAA Submission Summary via email from the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
• This summary outlines the information you submitted and helps determine your eligibility for state financial aid, such as Cal Grants or the California College Promise Grant.
• Check the CADAA Submission Summary for errors and update your application at dream.csac.ca.gov if needed.

Why Reviewing Your Submission Summary is Important:

• Accuracy: Errors in your application can delay your financial aid eligibility or result in incorrect award amounts.
• School Codes: Verify that all schools you’re applying to are listed on your application so they receive your financial aid information. You can add additional school codes if necessary (up to 20 for FAFSA and up to 10 for CADAA).
• Next Steps: Your summary will indicate if further actions are required, such as verification or additional documentation.

Step 4: Check for Additional Requirements from the Financial Aid Office

Once Chabot College receives your FAFSA or CADAA information, there may be additional steps to complete your financial aid file.

• Login to ClassWeb: Check your MyPortal account for any “Student Requirements” items or additional forms requested by the Financial Aid Office.
• Verification Process: Some students may be selected for verification. If selected, you’ll need to provide documentation to confirm the information on your FAFSA or CADAA.
• Submit Required Documents Promptly: This will help avoid delays in receiving your financial aid award.

Check required documents via MyPortal. Click on the "Financial Aid" tab to view your Financial Aid requirements for the appropriate Financial Aid year. 

To check financial requirements:

• • Step 1: Log-in to MyPortal and select the "Financial Aid" tab
  • Step 2: Select "My Eligibility"
  • Step 3: Select "Student Requirements"
  • Step 4: Select Award Year
  • Step 5: Review and Complete Requirements

Click on this "How to Check Financial Aid Requirements" flyer for visuals.
Check out this "Financial Aid Requirements" video for guidance.

Important:

• All documents are processed in the order that they are received. Allow 2-4 weeks to have your verification documents processed.
• August 1st is the deadline to turn in required documents to avoid delay in receiving financial aid, if eligible. If you do not meet the August 1st priority deadline, you must be prepared to purchase your own books and supplies without financial aid at the beginning of the semester or until you submit all required documents (file is complete). Your file will be processed in the order it was received.

Step 5: Select your Refund Preference (FAFSA Applicants Only)

If you’re a FAFSA applicant, you’ll receive a Refund Selection Kit in the mail. This kit includes a personal code that you’ll use to select how you would like to receive any refund (excess financial aid funds after tuition and fees are paid).

• Check Your Mail for the Kit: You should receive your Refund Selection Kit by mail, followed by a reminder email about a week later with the same personal code.
• Use the Personal Code to Select Your Refund Preference: Options may include direct deposit to your bank account or deposit to a Vibe Checking account with BankMobile. 
• Timely Selection is Important: Selecting your refund preference as soon as you receive the code will help ensure you receive your funds quickly once they are disbursed.

For Returning Students at Chabot: Your refund will be delivered according to the refund preference you previously set. If you need to update this preference, log into your Bankmobile account.

For California Dream Act Applicants: You won’t receive a Refund Selection Kit. Instead, when funds are disbursed, you will receive a refund check directly from the district. Make sure your mailing address is up to date with Admissions and Records to avoid delays in receiving your check.

Note: If you are having trouble setting up your refund preference, please see our BankMobile Disbursements page.

Step 6: Review Your Financial Aid Award

All students receive financial aid email alerts via ZoneMail. Students should always check their MyPortal account to view eligibility and award information.

• Review Your Award: It will outline the types and amounts of aid you’re eligible for, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.
• Understand Award Conditions: Familiarize yourself with any conditions of your award, such as enrollment requirements or GPA standards.

To check financial aid award information:

• • Step 1: Log-in to MyPortal and select the "Financial Aid" tab
  • Step 2: Select "My Award Information"
  • Step 3: Select "Award by Aid Year"
  • Step 4: Select Aid Year
  • Step 5: Review "General Information" tab
  • Step 6: Review "Award Overview" tab

Click on this "How to Check Financial Aid Awards" flyer for visuals.
Check out this "Financial Aid Awards" video for guidance. 

Step 7: Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

To continue receiving financial aid, students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards as required by federal regulations, state guidelines, and Chabot College’s policies. These standards apply to all terms of enrollment, regardless of whether financial aid was awarded.

SAP Requirements

To maintain SAP and remain eligible for financial aid, students must meet the following criteria:

Academic Requirements:

• Successfully complete at least 67% of units attempted cumulatively.
• Maintain a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA.

Maximum Time Frame:

• Students are allowed up to 150% of the program length, measured in attempted units, to complete their degree or transfer program. For most Associate degrees and transfer programs, this equals 90 attempted units.

What Happens If You Don’t Meet SAP Standards?

• Warning Status: Students who fail to meet the GPA or 67% Completion Rate for the first time will be automatically placed in Warning Status for one term. Students are expected to meet SAP standards by the end of this term to remain eligible for aid.
• Financial Aid Disqualification: If SAP standards are not met during the Warning Status, students may be placed on Financial Aid Disquialification status and become ineligible for aid. Students can appeal this status if extenuating circumstances apply.

How to Check Your SAP Status

Students can monitor their SAP status through MyPortal:

• Step 1: Log-in to MyPortal and select the "Financial Aid" tab
• Step 2: Select "My Eligibility"
• Step 3: Select "Academic Progress"
• Step 4: Select Aid Year

Please see this document to guide you on how to check your SAP status.
Visit MyPortal.

A student receiving financial aid is always expected to be making progress toward completion of a declared program of study at CLPCCD.

Get Help Early

If you are at risk of not meeting SAP standards, take action immediately:

• Academic Resources: Utilize tutoring and academic counseling available at Chabot College to help you improve.
• Financial Aid Office: Contact the Financial Aid Office for guidance and assistance if you are placed on warning or disqualified.

Visit Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for more detail information.

Step 8: Reapply Each Year

Financial aid is not automatically renewed; you must reapply every year.

• FAFSA/CADAA Open Date: December 1.
• Priority Deadline: April 2 to maximize eligibility for grants and aid programs.

Remember, financial situations can change, so be sure to complete the application every year, even if you didn’t qualify previously.

Helpful Tips: 

If you cannot find your Financial Aid Information on MyPortal.

REASONS MAY BE:

• You have NOT completed your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or DREAM Act Application (CADAA) or you may have completed the incorrect aid year.
• You have NOT entered our College/ Federal School Code (001162) in your submitted FAFSA or DREAM Act Application
• You have completed your FAFSA or DREAM Act but we have NOT received it. It takes approximately 7-10 days after your FAFSA submission for us to retrieve your information (The DREAM Act Application takes a little longer.)