Understanding FAFSA Simplification

FAFSA Simplification Act

Simplifying the financial aid application process: the FAFSA Simplification Act is an initiative by the United States Department of Education to make applying for federal student aid easier for students.  As a result, the 2024-2025 FAFSA will open in December 2023.

This process is the first major redesign of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process in over 40 years. It represents a significant overhaul of federal student aid, including the FAFSA form, need analysis, storage of federal student aid application data, and many policies and procedures for schools that participate in the Title IV programs.

The process for the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) will include some of the changes from the new FAFSA, both of which will be implemented for the 2024–2025 award year. All students must complete either the FAFSA or CADAA to be considered for federal student aid.

Here are some key points about the upcoming changes

• How aid is calculated has changed. You may receive more aid or less aid than in previous years, or you may now be eligible for aid when previously you were not. Visit studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/fafsa-simplification-act to learn more.
• The FAFSA and CADAA applications are not yet available for 2024-25. They are expected to be available in late- December.
• FAFSA Filers - New this year: all students and contributors (parents, spouses, and stepparents) must obtain an FSA ID to apply for federal aid. Visit studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch to start this process if you have not already done so. This process should be completed before beginning the FAFSA.
• The FAFSA and CADAA application deadline has been extended to May 2, 2024, for priority applications.

The CSU Dominguez Hills Financial Aid & Scholarships Office is dedicated to keeping our campus community updated. Continue to check back in as we post additional resources and share important updates.