cadaa-msf

Overview

New CADAA for Students from Mixed-Status Families

CA Dream Act Mixed Status Families Toolkit

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) has expanded the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) as an option for FAFSA-eligible students if they are experiencing difficulties completing the FAFSA successfully due to having a contributor without a Social Security number (SSN). Completing the CADAA will allow students to receive critical information about their financial aid award package so they can make informed decisions about their 2024-25 academic year plans. 

Additionally, the US Department of Education has announced that all non-SSN contributors should be able to log in to submit FAFSA regardless of whether they have a verified StudentAid.gov account. This is a positive step forward for many families that may help them complete their FAFSA.

Students who are high school seniors or who intend to go to a four-year university in the 2024-25 academic year had until May 2, 2024, to complete the CADAA in order to meet the state priority deadline for state financial aid programs, such as the Cal Grant and Middle Class Scholarship.  

Although the state priority deadline has passed, students can appeal for Cal Grant consideration by submitting the Cal Grant Appeals form (G-18). If you are not a high school senior and you plan to attend a community college, there is no need to appeal as your priority deadline is September 3, 2024.

 It is important to note that completing a CADAA will only make the student eligible for state and campus-based financial aid, not federal financial aid. Students who are FAFSA-eligible but complete the CADAA due to meeting the requirements listed above, should complete a FAFSA once all FAFSA issues are resolved in order to access all available financial aid.

The California Dream Act Application is available online through our website.

Students and families can receive help completing their financial aid applications at free Cash for College Workshops, where there are trained experts who can help guide and answer any questions. Students can either attend one of these in-person workshops or register for our Statewide Cash for College Webinars. Here are upcoming dates for our Statewide Webinars specifically for non-SSN support:

Thursday, May 16, 6pm-7:30pm English/Spanish 
Wednesday, May 22, 5:30pm-7pm English/Spanish 

We know that mixed status families have struggled to complete the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). At the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), we have continued to advocate for more avenues for these students to access financial aid. Please subscribe to our email list for mixed status families to get additional updates and information specific to this student population.

Additional resources for students and families: