This year is the start of the FAFSA Simplification Act which represents a significant overhaul of the processes and systems used to award federal student aid .This includes changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) form, and many policies and procedures for schools that participate in federal  and state student aid programs.

The number one change you can expect is Student Aid Index (SAI) replacing the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The new need analysis formula removes the number of family members in college from the calculation, allows a minimum SAI of -1500, and implements separate eligibility determination criteria for Federal Pell Grants.

Apply for FAFSA

Please see the following information for contributors who do not have a Social Security Number:

Step 1: An individual should visit StudentAid.gov, select “Create Account” and complete all steps, including answering 1-4 knowledge-based verification questions via TransUnion®.

Step 2: Upon completing the Create Account process, the individual will see a confirmation page with the results of their identity verification. If they failed the TransUnion® process, the individual will be informed that FSA was unable to verify their information and that they must contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-433-3243.

Note: The individual will also receive an email from FSA informing them to call FSAIC for next steps and verify their identity.

Step 3: Once the individual contacts FSAIC, FSA will create a case number and send them a verification email, which will include guidance on how to submit copies of unexpired acceptable documentation (listed below) to verify their identity. Individuals will also be required to submit an attestation and validation of identity form along with their approved identity documentation. This form will be available on https://studentaid.gov/forms-library.

Acceptable documentation to establish identity:

US driver's license or ID

Valid Foreign Passport

or

Municipal ID Cards and a utility bill

Community ID and a utility bill

Consular ID/Matricula ID and utility bill

Step 4: Upon receipt of the email that FSA was unable to verify their identity, an individual is then required to submit one or a combination of their acceptable documentation from the list above and a signed attestation form to: IDVerification@ed.gov.

Step 5: FSA will review an individual’s submitted documentation and signed attestation form to ensure it is acceptable and matches the account information provided during the Create Account process. If there is a successful match, the Department will finalize the account creation. The individual will receive an email indicating their identity has been verified and that they may now use their account username and password (FSA ID) to log in at StudentAid.gov and complete applications for student financial assistance programs.

All Students are strongly encouraged to sign up for Direct Deposit, since check pickup has been temporarily suspended due to COVID 19 until further notice.

Once you set up Direct Deposit, your disbursements will automatically be deposited into your bank account. Direct Deposit is faster, reliable, and more secure than waiting for a paper check in the mail. Additionally, there are no fees from CCSF for using Direct Deposit.

Enroll today following these simple steps:

1. Login to your CCSF Portal
2. Click on your myRAM Portal
3. Click on the Financial Aid tab
4. Click on the Direct Deposit button
5. Click on Manage Refunds
6. Select how you want to receive your refund and fill in the required information
   • If you receive a refund, it will be processed according to your refund selection

The SEFA Student Emergency Fund Application is now available. The SEFA is a limited emergency grant. The purpose of the grant is for students to use the funds towards emergency related situations, including rent, food insecurities, utility cutoff notifications, etc. The maximum amount the students can apply for is $500 and the grant can only be awarded once in a lifetime. The additional criteria is as follows:

• Apply for financial aid by completing a FAFSA or CA Dream Act for the associated academic year
• Demonstrate financial need
• Be classified as a California Resident
• Enrolled in at least 6 CCSF units for the application term
• Complete Student Emergency Funds Application
• Meet Academic Standing Standards
  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Completed 50% of all units attempted at CCSF
• Submit a typed personal statement explaining your financial hardship/extenuating circumstances
• Submit a comprehensive Student Education Plan
• Has not previously received Student Emergency Funds
• Provide supporting documentation of the emergency
  • Proof of eviction notice, utility shut off notification, death of parent/spouse, or other proof of rent and/or food insecurities

Grants are awarded based on urgency of need, available funding, and exhaustion of all other funding resources/options. You can view the Student Emergency Funds Application online.

For assistance completing the application see: SEFA Application Walkthrough.

For questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@ccsf.edu or via our Financial Aid Virtual Help Counter.