Understanding Financial Aid

Verification

The U.S. Department of Education selects some students to verify their information by providing tax returns and other documents. Aid cannot be disbursed until those documents are received. Students can retrieve previous tax returns from the Tax Information for Students website.

• If your application is pending, talk to a financial aid officer to understand the campus verification policy and the exact documents that are required

Timing

Most financial aid is disbursed at the beginning of the term, yet some colleges distribute payment over time. While early disbursement can benefit students by releasing aid as soon as possible, it can also leave colleges liable for funds issued to students who do not remain enrolled. 

• If you are concerned about your disbursement, talk to a financial aid officer about the disbursement timeline. These can also be viewed on your myVCCCD portal

Disbursement Methods

Financial aid may be disbursed via direct deposit, by check or through a third-party debit card. 

Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the process a college uses to determine if a student is meeting all of their educational requirements and is on target to graduate on time with a degree or certificate. Schools may also establish maximum time frames for completion. While colleges have individual standards for meeting SAP, they have similar considerations. SAP must be maintained for students to continue receiving aid. 

• Seek assistance if you are not making satisfactory academic progress from your counselor, tutor, and faculty
• Determine a unit load based on what you can complete and avoid unnecessary units that are not on your student education plan
• If you lose your award for SAP, request help on how to appeal

Monitor Lifetime Eligibility

Lifetime eligibility for Federal Pell grants is the equivalent of six full-time years, regardless of whether the student is at a community college or a university. Lifetime eligibility for Cal Grants is the equivalent of four full-time years, regardless of whether the student is at a community college or a university. A student could potentially use all available years for either Pell or Cal grants at a community college, a university, or a combination of both.