TASFA Training. Completing the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)

Transcription

1 TASFA Training Completing the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA)

2 Objectives Learn about in-state tuition law in Texas concerning undocumented students Gain understanding about the TASFA Discuss answers to frequently asked questions Discover resources to help students

3 Texas in-state tuition law H.B passed in 2001 by Texas Legislature S.B updated law in 2005 State law classifies eligible undocumented students as Texas residents for purposes of paying tuition. Undocumented students eligible for state financial aid at Texas public colleges & universities. Currently, 17 states have in-state tuition laws.

4 Requirements for in-state tuition Undocumented students and students in immigration process Graduate from high school/receive a GED in TX Reside in TX for at least three consecutive years before graduation or receiving GED Reside in TX for at least one year leading up to college enrollment Sign a notarized Affidavit of Intent

5 Scenario #1 Maria

6 Scenario #2 Ricardo

7 Scenario #3 Jacob

8 Application process

9 What is the TASFA? An application used by financial aid administrators at most Texas colleges and universities to determine a student s eligibility for state financial aid

10 TASFA Timeline for September December (fall of senior year) Apply for admission Fulfill residency requirements set by S.B (e.g. complete affidavit) Register with Selective Service (males) January March (winter/spring of senior year) File taxes: Min. income requirements set by IRS Verify college included in Appendix A Complete TASFA Mail TASFA directly to the college s financial aid office Follow up with the college

11 New Timeline for academic year Fall of senior year Beginning in September 2016 Apply for admission Fulfill residency requirements set by S.B (e.g. complete affidavit) Register with Selective Service (males) Verify college included in Appendix A of TASFA Complete TASFA as early as October 1, 2016 Mail TASFA directly to the college s financial aid office Follow up with the college

12 State aid programs for which TASFA applicants may be eligible TEXAS Grant Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) Texas Equalization Grant (TEG) Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) Top 10% Scholarship Program* State exemption programs (e.g., valedictorian) Texas College Work-Study Program (e.g. DACA students with work permit)

13 Limited options Federal aid is not available to undocumented students. Federal aid includes federal student loans, grants and work-study. The College Access Loan (CAL) is a state loan that requires a cosigner who is a permanent resident or U.S. citizen. The student s immigration status is not considered.

14 Overview of the TASFA Over 100 college/university participants Form first released in award year: Reduces student anxiety and intimidation Helps institutions apply the law and creates consistent process

15 Overview of the TASFA Total of 42 questions vs. 100 in Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Section I: Personal Information and Dependency Section II: Household Information Section III: Tax Filing Status/Additional Information (e.g. enrollment) Section IV: Untaxed Income and Assets Section V: Total Family Income/Explanation Section VI: Selective Service Registration Section VII: Signatures

16 Revised Question 40: a. Earnings: How much were your total family earnings in 2015? Student s earnings $: Parent s earnings $ If your parent s earned at least $20,600 during 2015, they are required to file taxes according to IRS guidelines. (Check your and/or parent s specific filing requirements since the income threshold varies depending on filing status and age. For more details, see IRS Publication 17, Table 1-1: Filing Requirements for Most Taxpayers).

17 Revised Question 40: b. Self-employment: Are you and/or your parent s self-employed (e.g. own a business)? Yes or No If you and/or your parent(s) are self-employed, you and or your parents will be required to file an income tax return if net earnings (e.g. business expenses minus business income) from self-employment were $400 or more. For more details go to /

18 Revised Question 40: c. Non-tax filers: If you and/or your parents did not meet either of the IRS Income filing thresholds from earnings or self employment, and did not file taxes, please provide a breakdown of your living expenses (e.g. rent, food, utilities, etc.). Explain what sources of income or public assistance you and/or your family used to pay for those living expenses. Your financial aid office may request additional information. Living Expenses Annual Cost Rent Food To pay for living expenses, I and/or my family used the following sources of income:

19 TASFA: Frequently asked questions Question 1: If my parents don t file taxes and they get paid in cash, how do I report their income on the TASFA?

20 TASFA: Frequently asked questions Question 2: Do my parents or I need to file taxes if neither of us has a Social Security Number (SSN)?

21 Filing taxes: IRS 2015 income thresholds Filing Status Age as of 12/31/2015 Single Under 65 $10, or older $11,700 Head of Household Under 65 $13, or older $14,600 Married, filing jointly <65 (both spouses) $20, or > (1 spouse) $21, or > (both) $22,700 Married, filing separately Any age $3,950 Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child Under 65 $16, or older $17,550 File a return if Gross Income at least

22 TASFA: Frequently asked questions Question 3: I support my family (and have filed as head of household on my taxes). My parents do not work. Do I use my tax return to complete the TASFA?

23 TASFA: Frequently asked questions Question 4: One of my parents lives out of the country. Whose income do I report on the TASFA?

24 TASFA: Frequently asked questions Question 5: Once the TASFA is complete, where do I take the application?

25 TASFA: Frequently asked questions Question 6: If I have questions once I start filling out the TASFA, where can I call?

26 Resources

27 More resources Texas Financial Aid Information Center Call Send Monday Friday (bilingual representatives) TG s public service website Adventures In Education (AIE ) Download Application, Checklist & Instructions Watch TASFA video Access TASFA PPT Other resources Unitedwedream.org The Dream.US

28 Final thoughts: Challenges for undocumented students and families Low opportunity to legalize status Cannot get driver s license Cannot travel outside of U.S. Language barriers for parents High financial/economic need Negative stigma for being undocumented

29 Discussion To order additional copies, or to request permission to reproduce any of the information provided, please call TG Communications at (800)

30 2013 Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation To order additional copies, or to request permission to reproduce any of the information provided, please call TG Communications at (800)