Disqualified from Cal Grant, lost Blue & Gold as well, need advice!

Paying for College
1

My daughter is in the UC system. Our income went over the ceiling for Cal Grant and Blue & Gold Opportunity but not by much and now we’re on the cusp of taking a huge loan for this year. To add to my anxiety, our income will be lower this year but FAFSA is now going to use the previous year tax info which will be horrible for us. We don’t have anything they list as an extenuating circumstance, no one lost a job or died, etc. but our income hovers around these ceilings and one day of working over time could mean that we can afford gas and groceries this week but might not qualify for these financial aid grants!

The financial aid office is really no help, I’m hoping someone here will have some amazing words of wisdom for us! Thank you!

2

Also, can we get Cal Grant reinstated after losing it? If they do end up letting us input 2016 actual income, can we get it back or is it gone forever? I couldn’t find the info but I’m also a bit worked up over this so I may have overlooked it

3

Does anyone have any words of wisdom regarding this?? Financial Aid office was not helpful. They have actually given us incorrect information in the past.

4

Did you receive a new financial aid sheet yet? If not, did you try the campus’ net price calculator with the income level that you expect will be used? How different are these numbers from the previous numbers, and how much did your income level change?

5

I know you said the financial aid office has been no help, but have you tried the following:

  1. Ask them if you can submit proof of your actual expenses. If your rent/mortgage is higher than average, if you have medical expenses, etc., they can override some of the numbers in the standard calculation.

  2. Sometimes the individual aid counselor can make changes for you based on your situation and his / her professional judgement. I’m not sure what this is called, so perhaps someone else can chime in with the proper name. Is a face to face meeting possible?

6

What is your new EFC? Losing B&G and Cal Grant by being slightly over shouldn’t mean that you won’t get any grants. What is in your child’s aid pkg?

Yes, appeal to the FA office. If you can’t afford this year, then your DD may need to ask for a year of absence. Taking big loans out for two years will just mean too much debt and later problems.

@kelsmom Is there an appeal process for those whose incomes have dropped but will be asked to use 2015 income again?