Chafee Grant

What is Chafee?

• If you are or were in foster care between the ages of 16 and 18 as a dependent or ward of the court and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college.

  • You don’t have to pay this money back. 

  • You may also be able to use your grant to help pay for child care, transportation and rent while you’re in school. 

  • You can use your Chafee Grant at any eligible California college or university or career or technical school, as well as schools in other states.

Chafee Foster Youth Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current or former foster youth who was a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care, between the ages of 16 and 18.

• Youth who are/were in Kin-GAP, a non-related legal guardianship or were adopted, are eligible only if the youth was a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care, between the ages of 16 and 18.

• Not have reached your 22nd birthday as of July 1st of the award year.

How Do I Apply?

To be considered for a California Chafee Grant, you must complete the following:

• Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online; or

• If you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), submit the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) online. (Dream Act Id required to submit a Chafee Grant Application)

• Submit the California Chafee Grant Application online; and

• Have your school complete and submit the Chafee Need Analysis Report (NAR) (only for 2015-16 Chafee applicants)

What Happens After I Apply?

• The Commission will review your FAFSA or CADAA and Chafee Grant Application.

• The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) may verify your foster status. If CDSS is not able to verify your status, please complete the Foster Care Eligibility Certification Form and mail it.

• Your school's financial aid office will determine your financial aid eligibility and submit the NAR (only for 2015-16 Chafee applicants).

• Once all of the above is completed, the Commission will send you an email message if you are selected for an award.

• The school will verify payment eligibility and disburse the check to you.

• If you applied for a Chafee Grant, go to WebGrants for Students to check the status of your application.