Can I still qualify for a Chafee Grant if I am undocumented?

Yes!  As an undocumented youth, you are still eligible for the Chafee Grant (in addition to the benefits provided by the CA DREAM Act).  The process for applying for the Chafee Grant, however, is a little different.  You will need to take the following steps:

(1)   Go to the Chafee Grant website to print out a paper version of the application.

(2)   Complete the paper version of the Chafee Grant application, leaving the Social Security number section blank.  Write “Undocumented Foster Youth” across the top of the application, and mail it to the address indicated on the form.

(3)   Go to the FAFSA website and print out a paper version of the application.

(4)   Complete the paper version of the FAFSA and give it to the financial aid officer at your college.  Inform the financial aid officer that you are a foster youth/former foster youth applying for the Chafee Grant.

(5)   When the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) receives your application from your college, they will then assign you a “pseudo Social Security number.”  CSAC will notify you of the assigned pseudo Social Security number.  As soon as you get this number, contact your college’s financial aid office and have them complete the Chafee Need Analysis Report to submit to the CSAC office at: (888) 224-7268.

, ,