If you’ve already submitted your FAFSA Application, apply for the California CHAFEE Grant.
The California Chafee Grant gives up to $5,000 a year FREE to eligible foster youth. The Chafee Grant may be used at any eligible California college or university, or career or technical school. Students attending schools in other states may also qualify. Student’s can receive a Chafee Grant for up to 5 years (whether or not consecutive).
You don’t have to pay this money back. You can use your Chaffee money to to pay tuition and living expenses (including rent, food, transportation, and child care) while you’re in school.
Who can get this FREE grant?
- You must be a current foster youth or a former foster youth (ward of the court) on or after your 16th birthday.
- You can not have reached your 26th birthday as of July 1st of the award year.
- You must be enrolled in an eligible vocational school or college courses at least half-time (and enrolled in a program at least one academic year long).
- You must be making satisfactory academic progress
Step 1
Submit a FAFSA (or California Dream Act Application – CADAA). The FAFSA can be filed on-line at https://studentaid.gov. (The CADAA can be filed on-line at https://dream.csac.ca.gov.)
- Enter your name exactly how it shows on your dependency reports
- Must wait up to 36 hours after FASA submittal before starting submitting the Chaffee application.
Step 2
Submit a Chafee Application. Apply between October 1 – March 2. Submit the application early in the year to have the greatest chance to receive funding.
You will receive a confirmation email that your Chaffee application has been submitted. See WebGrants for Students to check the status of your application. Students will be notified about awards via email. Your school will disburse the check to you.