California Chafee Grant Program

The California Chafee Grant Program is sponsored by the California Student Aid Commission and the state Department of Social Services for eligible foster youth and former foster youth. For 2026–27, eligible students may receive up to $4,500 per year for up to five years. Funding is limited and an award is not guaranteed. To qualify, students must

• Be a current or former foster youth who was a ward of the court, living in foster care, between the ages of 16 and 18
• Not have reached age 26 as of July 1 of the award year
• Be enrolled at least half-time
• Not have participated in the program for more than 5 years (whether or not consecutive)
• Be making satisfactory academic progress

New Student Application Process

1. File a FAFSA or CADAA for the academic year.
2. Submit the California Chafee Grant Application(opens in new window), which is available starting October 1 of the preceding academic year and accepted until July 31 of the academic year.
3. WebGrants 4 Students(opens in new window) (WGS) is your portal for the Chafee Grant award. The California Student Aid Commission contacts students via email so it is critical that you keep this information current on your WGS account.

Renewal Student Application Process

Renewal students are students who have applied for the Chafee Grant in previous years.

1. Do not submit another Chafee application.
2. Make changes in previous information submitted:
   • If you have moved or transferred schools, update your information through WebGrants 4 Students(opens in new window), where you can also monitor and manage your Chafee Grant.
   • If you have changed your name or Social Security number, please download and complete a Grant Record Change Form(opens in new window).
3. Check your Chafee Grant status(opens in new window). WebGrants 4 Students(opens in new window) (WGS) is your portal for the Chafee Grant award. The California Student Aid Commission contacts students via email so it is critical that you keep this information current on your WGS account. 

Ineligible Students

• If you are/were in Kin-GAP, a non-related legal guardianship, or were adopted, you are eligible only if you were a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care, between the ages of 16 and 18

CSAC Contact Information
Phone: 888-224-7268
Email: chafee@csac.ca.gov
http://www.csac.ca.gov(opens in new window)