FINANCIAL AID

2025-2026 FAFSA & CADAA Workshops

December 12, 2024

Workshop description:  CSUN students are welcome to visit the USU computer lab, log into a computer, and fill out an online application.  Financial Aid Department staff will be there to assist with questions or help guide students through the application process. 

LOCATION: USU COMPUTER LAB

WORKSHOP DATES:

January
Jan. 28th – Jan. 31st, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

February
Feb. 17th, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Feb. 18th, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Feb. 20th, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

WORKSHOP IS FOR CSUN STUDENTS AND IT’S FREE

WHAT TO BRING:

•FSA ID or CADAA login information.

  • Dependent students: if you are filling out a FAFSA, you will need to know your parents email address in order to invite them to contribute their information on your application.

•Your 2023 W-2* if you earned income but did not file taxes.
*A W-2 is not required, but it is helpful.             

Workshops conducted by the CSUN Financial Aid & Scholarship Department.

For sign language interpreting needs, contact Kathryn Vanegas at Kathryn.vanegas@csun.edu 5 business days prior to the workshop you are planning on attending.

Below you will find our Frequently Asked Questions for the 2025-2026 Aid Application

Q: What is CSUN's federal school code?
A:
The CSUN school code is 001153

Q: I filled out an application for the current school year, do I need to fill out another one for next year?
A:
You must fill out an aid application each year. For example, the new 2025-2026 FAFSA/CADAA application applies to Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 at CSUN.

Q: For FAFSA or CADAA, should I select renew or start a new my application?

A: Either option is fine. Renewing allows certain demographic information to transfer over, starting a new one will require you to answer every question again.

Q: What will I need to fill out my application?
A:
You will need: your Social Security Number or your Alien Registration Number (for FAFSA), W-2 information only if you earned income and did not file taxes and your FSA ID or CADAA login.

Q: Will I need my parent’s information?
A:
Yes, only if you are considered a Dependent student. If you are filling out a FAFSA, you will need your parents email address. Students are required to invite their parents to submit their personal information on the application. Students cannot fill out the parent information section. Make sure to have your parents email address ready and enter it when prompted to invite your parents.

Q: What if my parents claimed me as a dependent on their 2023 taxes but now, I am not with parents and I am independent?
A:
Your dependency status for financial aid purposes is not determined by whether you are claimed on your parent’s taxes. You will need to answer the dependency questions on your aid application. If it is determined that you are a dependent student you will be asked to provide your parent’s information.

Q: What if my income or my parents’ income has changed from 2023? I no longer earn the same income. What information do I use?
A:
Your 2023 income information will be imported by the IRS and if your information or your parents’ information has changed in 2024, you will have an opportunity to submit an Income Appeal in August or September of 2025. You need to submit your application using 2023 information first and we can then consider you for an income appeal.

Q: Will I still be eligible to receive FAFSA or CADAA if I start working?
A:
Yes, you will be considered and should apply every year in order to determine what you are eligible for.

Q: What if I didn’t work in 2023?
A:
FAFSA/CADAA requires your 2023 income.  If you didn't work, you report as non-filer with $0 earnings for 2023.

Q:What do I do if the application keeps saying error when I submit?
A:
The application usually tells you what the error is, and what you need to enter to resolve it. If you keep having issues with your FAFSA application please contact them at 1800-433-3243 or CADAA at 888-894-0148

Q: I’m a graduate student. On the dependency status it says that I’m considered an independent student but I’m still dependent on my parents. Do I still provide my parents information?
A:
Students who are pursuing a Master's degree are considered independent even if they are still dependent on their parents. Because of this, you do NOT need to provide your parents info.

Q: I receive disability benefits. When the application asks for my working wages, do I just enter the amount I get from SSI?
A:
No. SSI is not reportable income. You would enter zero for wages if you do not work.

Q: I worked during the year of 2024 only, does it change anything?
A:
No, the 2025 - 2026 application year requires 2023 tax and income information. If you did not work in 2023, you may indicate that you are a non-filer for this tax period.

Q: Is it possible to get one on one help filling out the application?
A:
For assistance with individual questions on the application you may reach out to FAFSA 800-433-3243 or CADAA 888-894-0148. You may also contact the financial aid office at 818-677-4085 if you have a specific question.

We are here to help,

Financial Aid & Scholarship Department