Maximize Your Resources: Understanding and Applying for Financial Aid 2011-12

1. Financial Aid 2011-12 Federal School Code: 001163

2. What is Financial Aid? • Financial Aid is a number of federal, state, and private funding programs available to assist students with educational expenses. • BOGW- fee waiver – (waives tuition fees for California residents) • Pell • SEOG • ACG • Cal Grant • FWS – (earned by working on campus)

3. How do I apply? • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at: www.fafsa.gov • The FAFSA is easy, quick, and free Apply early • The priority deadline to apply is March 2, but you can still apply after that date. Though, some aid is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

4. Filling out the FAFSA • If you are filling out the FAFSA online for the first time, you will need a Federal Student Aid PIN (Personal Identification Number). Your PIN allows you to sign your FAFSA electronically. • Your parent may also need a PIN if they have to sign the FAFSA • You can request a PIN in step 1 of completing the FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov or go directly to www.pin.ed.gov .

5. Filling out the FAFSAis as easy as 1,2, 3

6. How often do I need to apply? • You only need to apply once a year for each academic year. • You can complete the FAFSA as early as January 1 – March 2 for the following academic year (school year) • Remember March 2 is a priority deadline; some aid may not be available if applying later

7. What do I need to complete the FAFSA? • Your Social Security Number • Your driver’s license • Your W-2 forms for the previous year and other records of money earned • Your (and your spouse’s, if you are married) Federal income tax return • Your (and your parent(s) • Records of Child support paid (if applicable) • Documentation that you are a U.S. permanent resident or other eligible noncitizen

8. What happens after I fill out the FAFSA? • You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the federal processor by email approximately 24-48 hours after you submit your FAFSA, or within two weeks if you requested your results to be mailed to you. • Review your SAR. It will tell you if additional information is needed for processing or if you have been selected for “Verification”.

9. Continued… • Be sure you list correct information such as, Social Security Number, Date of Birth, legal name.

10. The federal processor will process the information you submit on the FAFSA, but the Financial Aid Office will complete the process by reviewing eligibility and completing your file. • By adding our Federal School Code 001163 to your FAFSA, Chaffey College will also receive your results.

11. Once results are received, we will email you informing you that additional information is needed for processing or if you have been awarded. • If you have been awarded you will also receive an e-mail informing you to view and accept your awards online.

12. What if I my SAR says I am selected for Verification? • Verification means that the Financial Aid Office must verify the data reported on your FAFSA. You will be required to submit your and/or your parents’ tax information for processing. • If you have been selected for verification, the Financial Aid Office will notify you by email. • You may also log on to MyChaffeyView to see if verification documents are listed under “My Documents”

13. Check your Status Online • Check if documents are needed at www.chaffey.edu/chaffeyview on MyChaffeyView under My Documents. • Check the status of your financial aid awards by logging on to on MyChaffeyView under My Awards. • You must Accept or Reject your awards online in order to receive funding on MyChaffeyView under Accept or Reject my Awards.

14. How will I be notified that I need to accept my awards? • Once your Financial Aid file has been completed, you will receive an email informing you to view your awards online by logging on to MyChaffeyView. • You must Accept or Reject your awards online in order to receive funding.

15. I accepted my awards online, how do I access my funds? • Funds are electronically disbursed into a grant account at the Chaffey Federal Credit Union (CFCU) and you will be issued an ATM card free of charge. • You also have the option of having funds transferred to your own bank account free of charge by completing an ACH form and submitting to any of the CFCU branches at least five (5) days prior to disbursement.

16. Get your Disbursement • Establish your account and get your ATM card in time for your disbursement. Visit one of the CFCU branches as soon as possible: • Rancho Cucamonga Branch: 9679 Baseline Rd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 • Ontario Branch: 410 Lemon Avenue, Ontario, CA 91764 • You will need to take your class schedule or award printout, Social Security Card, and a valid Drivers License or California ID. • ACH transfer request forms and Disbursement Dates are available online at www.chaffey.edu/finaid.

17. You must be enrolled to receive financial aid • Awards are awarded based on full-time status but the amount you receive will be adjusted according to your enrollment status. • Most students don’t have to be enrolled full-time to be eligible for financial aid. • However, you must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.

18. What about academic progress? • Students must meet academic progress requirements to receive financial aid. • You must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA, work towards completing a degree or certificate, successfully complete a minimum of 67% of all attempted units, and not exceed 90 attempted units. • Refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Probation Policy for complete requirements at: www.chaffey.edu/finaid.

19. Programs and Policies You may lose your aid or have to pay back unearned money if you withdraw from courses. For complete details about financial aid programs and policies, please refer to the Financial Aid Website: www.chaffey.edu/finaid