I HAVE DACA AND I CAN USE THE FAFSA? SAY WHAT?! - A REFERENCE GUIDE FOR DACA RECIPIENTS

Sep 19, 2026

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United We Dream provides a reference guide for DACA recipients on using the FAFSA form to obtain a Student Aid Report (SAR) and receive an assessment of financial need. The guide explains that DACA recipients remain ineligible for federal financial aid, but completing FAFSA can support access to institution-based aid and other scholarships. It includes practical steps for completing FAFSA sections and addresses FAQs on SSNs, SAR meaning, and state financial aid options for undocumented students.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time4 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you undocumented and eligible for state financial aid?

Steps to completing the FAFSA form as a DACA recipient

Section 1: The Student Demographic section

Section 2: School Selection

Section 3: Dependency Status

Section 4: Parent Demographics

Section 5: Financial Information

Section 6: Sign and Submit

Caution

Resources

I HAVE DACA AND I CAN USE THE FAFSA? SAY WHAT?! A reference guide for DACA recipients Table of Contents Introduction.................................................................................................................................................. 2 Frequently Asked Questions ........................................................................................................................ 3 Are you undocumented and eligible for state financial aid?...................................................................4-5 Steps to completing the FAFSA form as a DACA recipient..................................................................... 5-10 Section 1: The Student Demographic section: ........................................................................................ 6 Section 2: School Selection ...................................................................................................................... 7 Section 3: Dependency Status .................................................................................................................. 7 Section 4: Parent Demographics ............................................................................................................... 8 Section 5: Financial Information ............................................................................................................... 8 Section 6: Sign and Submit........................................................................................................................ 9 Caution........................................................................................................................................................ 10 Resources.................................................................................................................................................... 10 I HAVE DACA AND I CAN USE THE FAFSA? SAY WHAT?! A REFERENCE GUIDE FOR DACA RECIPIENTS Introduction: United We Dream has been working with advocates and government agencies to ensure that students who have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA recipients) are able to access all forms of financial aid for which they are eligible. As part of that process, we have received clarification from the Department of Education regarding DACA recipients’ability to use the FAFSA application form in order to receive an assessment of recipients’financial need. It is important to note that DACA recipients are still ineligible for federal financial aid at this time. Students’ ability to receive a needs assessment from FAFSA does not in any way impact their eligibility for different kinds of student aid. It merely allows students to access aid for which they are already eligible. General information, such as that provided below, does not constitute individual legal advice nor is it meant to take the place of individualized legal advice. The information provided below is merely general information about the steps that must be taken to fill out the FAFSA application form. I HAVE DACA AND I CAN USE THE FAFSA? SAY WHAT?! A REFERENCE GUIDE FOR DACA RECIPIENTS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s) QUESTION: How can I use my DACA to fill out the FAFSA application? ANSWER: Students who have been granted DACA can now use their Social Security Number (SSN) to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. DACA-mented students are NOT eligible for federal financial aid, but completing the FAFSA form allows DACA students to receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) . The SAR is an important tool that can be used to demonstrate need and can be used to apply for institutional aid and other scholarships. QUESTION: What is the Student Aid Report (SAR)? ANSWER: The SAR is a report that analyzes your family’s financial need. This report is often required by scholarships and institutions in order to grant money to students based on need. It is impor

FAQs

Can DACA recipients use their DACA to fill out the FAFSA application?

Yes. Students with DACA can use their Social Security Number (SSN) to complete the FAFSA. Completing FAFSA does not make them eligible for federal financial aid, but it enables access to a Student Aid Report (SAR).

What is the Student Aid Report (SAR) and what is it used for?

The SAR analyzes your family’s financial need and is often required by scholarships and institutions. Getting the SAR does not automatically grant aid; students must still apply, but it opens more options.

Does completing the FAFSA give DACA recipients access to federal financial aid?

No. DACA recipients cannot access federal financial aid, grants, or loans by completing the FAFSA. A SAR can help with private and other institutional funding.

Sep 19, 2026

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