Benefits and Assistance Programs
Priority Registration
Eligible students with dependent children may register early, helping them create
class schedules that fit their family responsibilities.
CalFresh provides monthly food benefits to eligible individuals and families with limited income.
WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals for eligible pregnant or nursing parents and children under age five.
CalWORKs offers eligible families cash assistance and supportive services that may help with housing, food, childcare, and other essential needs.
Tax Credits and Filing
Free Tax Filing Services (VITA)
VITA offers free basic tax-return preparation to eligible individuals and families through trained volunteers.
Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The EITC may help eligible student parents with low to moderate income reduce the federal taxes they owe or possibly receive a larger tax refund, providing additional financial support for their families.
California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC)
The CalEITC may help eligible student parents with lower incomes reduce the California state taxes they owe or possibly receive money back.
The Child Tax Credit may help eligible families reduce their federal taxes based on the number of qualifying children they support.
The YCTC may provide money back to eligible California families with a qualifying child under age six.
This California credit may provide money back to eligible young adults who were previously in foster care.
Federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
This credit may help eligible student parents offset certain childcare or dependent-care expenses paid while they are working or looking for work.
American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)
The AOTC may help eligible students or families offset qualified higher-education expenses during the first four years of college.
Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC)
The LLC may help eligible students or families reduce the cost of qualified tuition and education expenses.
Financial Aid Applications and Grants
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal grants, loans, work-study, and certain state or institutional aid.
California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
The CADAA allows eligible undocumented students and other qualifying students to apply for California financial aid.
Cal Grant and Students With Dependent Children Award
Eligible Cal Grant recipients with dependent children may qualify for additional financial assistance to support their education.
Federal Pell Grant, Work-Study, and Chafee Grant
Explore financial assistance that may include need-based grants, part-time employment, and support for eligible current or former foster youth.
Students with qualifying education-related expenses may ask the Financial Aid Office to review and possibly adjust their estimated cost of attendance.
Student Support
Documented childcare or dependent-care expenses may be included when calculating a student’s cost of attendance and financial need.
Explore campus childcare services that can support student parents while they attend classes and complete their studies.