FAFSA/CADAA Requirement

Assembly Bill 469 requires all California seniors to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the California Dream Act Application (CADAA), or the WCUSD FAFSA/CADAA Opt-Out Form by Friday, May 30, 2025. Emancipated minors or students over 18 may opt out independently.  High schools will provide specific instructions for submitting opt-out forms.

Completing the FAFSA or CADAA is essential to qualify for federal, state, and school financial aid, including grants, work-study, and loans. Students brought to the United States as minors without visas or documentation can apply through the CADAA. Both applications are free, take about an hour, and open the door to over $150 billion in financial aid awarded annually. Many families who assume they won’t qualify are still eligible for assistance, such as subsidized federal loans.

The window to begin completing the FAFSA and CADAA is now open! We are excited to share that WCUSD students can now submit the FAFSA/CADAA and apply for California public college admissions through the California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI) online platform. CCGI also helps students explore career interests, research colleges, and track progress on “A-G” requirements. Visit Tools for Parents for more CCGI resources.

See below for additional information, documents, and resources to assist with determining how you would like to proceed with the AB 469 requirement for your senior:

 

• Federal Student Aid: Filling out the FAFSA Form
• FAQs about the FAFSA and CADAA (English)
• California Student Aid Commission: CA Dream Act
• WCUSD FAFSA/CADAA Opt-Out Form (English)
• WCUSD FAFSA/CADAA Opt-Out Form (Spanish)