If you are a student at a California Community College looking to claim the Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG), you could be eligible for up to $8,000 per year in free money. However, the biggest hurdle for many students is simply knowing which application to file: the FAFSA or the CADAA.
Filing the wrong one can delay your funding for months. In this guide, we break down exactly which form you need to secure your SSCG funding for the 2025-2026 academic year.
What is the Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)?
The SSCG is a supplemental grant specifically for students who are already receiving a Cal Grant B or C and are enrolled full-time (12+ units). The goal is simple: the more units you take, the more money you get.
- 12–14.99 Units: $1,298 per semester ($2,596/year)
- 15+ Units: $4,000 per semester ($8,000/year)
Learn more about How the Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG) Supports California Students, which provides supplemental aid to Cal Grant B and C recipients to encourage full-time enrollment and faster graduation.
FAFSA vs. CADAA: The Main Differences
Both FAFSA applications and CADAA applications are serve the same purpose by determining your financial need, but they are meant for different groups of students.
1. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Think of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as your universal key to college funding. It’s a simple, free form that does the heavy lifting for you, unlocking everything from federal Pell Grants and work-study programs to low-interest loans.
But it doesn’t stop at the federal level; states and colleges also use your FAFSA info to see if you qualify for their own scholarships. If you’re looking for the biggest slice of the financial aid pie, this is where you start.
The FAFSA is the most common form. You should file the FAFSA if you are:
- A U.S. Citizen.
- A Permanent Resident (Green Card holder).
- An Eligible Non-Citizen (such as a T-visa holder or refugee).
Why file FAFSA? It makes you eligible for both Federal aid (Pell Grants, Work-Study) and State aid (Cal Grants, SSCG).
2. California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
If you’re a student in California who isn’t eligible for the FAFSA, such as undocumented students, DACA recipients, or those with TPS, the CADAA (California Dream Act Application) is your path to funding. It’s a state-specific form designed to help you access the same state grants and scholarships that others get. By meeting the ‘AB 540’ requirements, you can lock in in-state tuition and bridge the financial gap that federal programs don’t cover.
The CADAA is specifically for students who meet AB 540 criteria but are not eligible for federal aid. You should file the CADAA if you are:
- Undocumented or a DACA recipient.
- A U-Visa holder.
- A TPS holder.
- From a mixed-status family (U.S. citizen students with undocumented parents may choose CADAA if they have specific privacy concerns, though FAFSA is usually recommended for them).
Why file CADAA? It allows you to access California State aid, including the Cal Grant and the SSCG, even if you don’t qualify for federal Pell Grants.
Comparison at a Glance: Which do I choose?
| Feature | FAFSA | CADAA |
| Citizenship Status | U.S. Citizen / Permanent Resident | Undocumented / AB 540 |
| Federal Aid (Pell Grant) | Yes | No |
| State Aid (Cal Grant) | Yes | Yes |
| SSCG Eligibility | Yes | Yes |
| Data Privacy | Federal Database | State Database (CSAC) |
How to Ensure You Get the SSCG
Even if you fill out the right form, the SSCG is not guaranteed. It is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Follow these steps to stay at the front of the line:
- Meet the Deadline: To meet the deadline submit your FAFSA or CADAA by the state priority deadline (typically March 2nd, though for 2025-26, it is March 3, 2025).
- Submit Your GPA: Make sure your school has submitted your verified GPA to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
- Enroll in 15 Units: To get the maximum $4,000 per semester, you must hit the 15-unit threshold.
- Maintain SAP: You must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (usually a 2.0 GPA and completing 67% of your classes) to keep the grant.
Read More: How to Appeal a Denied SSCG Grant: A Step-by-Step Guide
Final Thought
Choosing between FAFSA and CADAA is the first “smart” move in your educational investment. If you have a Social Security Number and legal status, FAFSA is your path. If you are an AB 540 student, the CADAA is your key to the $8,000 SSCG.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes. Always consult with your college’s Financial Aid office for the most current local deadlines.
