Unpacking new legislation on FAFSA

PHOTO: All students are now required to fill out a FAFSA application starting with the 2022-23 school year.

By Ben Mitchell

BlueDevilHUB.com Staff––

The California State legislature recently amended the state’s education code, requiring students across the state to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. 

California Assembly Bill 132, effective this 2022-23 school year, changed how school districts implement the FAFSA application. 

According to the new bill, which amended California Education code 51225.7, “the governing body of a local educational agency shall confirm that a … pupil completes and submits to the United States Department of Education a Free Application for Federal Student Aid.” Alternatively, students can fill out a California Dream Act application, if eligible. 

Previously, the FAFSA was only strongly recommended, as it was required to be considered for most financial aid and scholarships. “By completing the FAFSA, you will be considered for federal aid, such as Pell Grants, work study and low-interest loans, state based aid (Cal Grants, Middle Class Scholarship), and college-based aid (grants and scholarships from your college),” career counselor Julie Clayton said. 

The intent of the law was “to help all families complete the FAFSA,” according to Troy Allen, the district’s director of secondary education.

The California Student Aid Commission is in the process of creating a host of supplementary materials to help make students aware of the new regulations. 

“Students who need help completing the FAFSA can attend our virtual Cash for College workshop on Nov. 15 at 6 p.m., or come to the Career Center,” Clayton said.

If students do not wish to fill out the FAFSA, they must fill out an opt-out form to be exempted. If the student is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must fill out the form. 

Neither students nor the district will be punished for a failure to comply with the new statute. However, it’s not advisable to forgo the application.

“Many factors besides income (such as the size of the family and the age of the older parent) are taken into account to determine eligibility.  Eligibility is determined by a mathematical formula, not by income alone.  You won’t know if you qualify unless you apply,” Clayton said.