From CSAC Executive Director:
As we start the 2023-24 academic year, the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) continues to prepare for the opening of the 2024-25 federal and state financial aid applications. After many years of waiting for the simplification of the FAFSA, we are excited that we are in the final stages before FAFSA and CA Dream Act Applications launch in December 2023.
What Do We Know?
The redesign of the application, known as the “Better FAFSA” will make the form much easier to complete by removing several questions, importing tax information from the IRS, and enhancing the user experience. Not only will we have a “Better FAFSA”, but enhancements to the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) also known as “Better CA Dream Act Application” will open up at the same time.
We know there are changes that simplify the application but may also raise some questions from those who have previously applied for financial aid. As with any substantial change, there will be a transition period to become familiar with the new format, sequence of questions, and new terminology. We are all in this new transition together and CSAC is here to support you and the families you work with to make it easier for students to get financial aid. This huge step in simplifying these financial aid applications will make a positive difference in helping more students get to the finish line and receive federal and state aid.
Key Application Dates to Keep in Mind:
- This year the Better FAFSA, Better CA Dream Act Application opening is delayed from the traditional October 1 to December 2023. The exact date will be communicated once it has been determined, but more than likely it will be the latter part of December.
- The March 2nd priority deadline has been extended to April 2, 2024, due to the delayed application opening.
September Action Item:
All students, parents, and legal guardians contributing to the FAFSA will be required to have or register for a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. Encourage students and their contributors to create an FSA ID as early as possible in October to be ready for the December opening of the FAFSA and CADAA.
Keep in mind:
- New FAFSA filers will need to create an FSA ID account.
- Renewal FAFSA filers can continue to use their existing FSA ID.
- Be sure students login to ensure FSA IDs still work before the FAFSA opens in December.
In the Spotlight:
FSA provided a live Better FAFSA Demonstration on August 17, 2023. After much anticipation and only having read about the changes previously, it was exciting to see the actual Better FAFSA in action and on screen. The demo walked through the student applicant and parent contributor sections from the perspective of a typical dependent student with married parents. For those students who don’t fall into this category, there will be ongoing training opportunities to help you help students and their families navigate how to address unique circumstances in completing the FAFSA or the CA Dream Act Application. Viewing the demo prior to the opening of the application would be extremely helpful to have familiarity with the new format, layout, and flow.