Massachusetts Foster Child Grant

Eligibility

• Be a Massachusetts resident.
• Meet applicable citizenship or Massachusetts state financial aid eligibility requirements.
• Have been placed in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families through a Care and Protection Petition.
• Have signed an agreement with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families for care and services beyond age 18.
• Be enrolled in an eligible undergraduate degree or certificate program.
• Attend an eligible college or university located in the continental United States.
• Not have previously earned a bachelor's degree or its equivalent.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Meet applicable state financial aid requirements.

Requirements

• Complete the FAFSA or Massachusetts-authorized state financial aid application, as applicable.
• Complete any Foster Child Grant application or certification process required by the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance.
• Provide documentation or certification of eligible Massachusetts Department of Children and Families foster care status.
• Enroll in an eligible undergraduate degree or certificate program.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Complete any financial aid verification requested by the institution or state.
• Reapply or complete required financial aid procedures each academic year for continued consideration.

How to Apply

1. 1Complete the FAFSA or applicable Massachusetts state financial aid application.
2. 2Confirm your eligible foster care status with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.
3. 3Complete any Foster Child Grant documentation required by the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance.
4. 4Enroll in an eligible undergraduate program at an eligible institution in the continental United States.
5. 5Respond promptly to requests for foster care certification, financial aid verification, or other supporting documentation.
6. 6Review your financial aid package and MASSAid information for your Foster Child Grant award.
7. 7Complete required financial aid procedures each year for continued eligibility.