California Dream Act Tips

California Dream Act Tips

Creating a User ID & Password

Creating an account before you begin the Cal Dream Act application could prevent processing delays, and it only takes a few minutes to create. The User ID and Password is what you need to log-in to the application and it also allows you to sign your application electronically. 

If you are considered a dependent student, then your parent must request a Parent PIN in order to electronically sign your application.

Gathering the Documents Needed to Apply

The Cal Dream Act application questions ask for information about you (your name, date of birth, address, etc.) and about your financial situation. Depending on your circumstances (for instance, whether you’re a U.S. citizen or what tax form you used), you might need the following information or documents as you fill out the application:

  • Your Tax Identification Number (TIN) if you have it, it’s important that you enter it correctly! 
  • Your parents’ Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) if you are a dependent student, and if they have a TIN 

(Note- If you or your parents do not have a TIN, you can still apply!)

  • Your driver’s license number if you have one
  • Federal tax information or tax returns including IRS W-2 information, for you (and your spouse, if you are married), and for your parents if you are a dependent student: IRS 1040
  • Records of your untaxed income, such as child support received, interest income, and veteran’s non-education benefits, for you, and for your parents if you are a dependent student
  • Information on cash; savings and checking account balances; investments, including stocks and bonds and real estate but not including the home in which you live; and business and farm assets for you, and for your parents if you are a dependent student 

Keep these records! You may need them again.

Getting Help

If you need help filling out the Cal Dream Act application, email the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at finaid@csueastbay.edu

Starting Your Cal Dream Act

The Cal Dream Act application is available on October 1 for the next school year. We encourage you to fill it out as soon as possible in order to meet any deadlines. If you are starting the application for the first time, click on "Start A New Application." As you begin, keep in mind that your name and Tax Identification Number (TIN), if you have one must match those on your card. If you filled out a Cal Dream Act application last year and want to renew it, click “Login” on the Cal Dream Act home page and make sure to select the correct academic year.

Listing Colleges: CSUEB School Code

While completing the Cal Dream Act, you must list at least one school to receive your information and you can list up to 10 schools in total. The schools you list on the application will automatically receive your results electronically. Make sure to list CSUEB as one of your schools!

CSU East Bay School Code: 001138

Determining Your Dependency Status

The Cal Dream Act asks a series of questions that determine whether you are a dependent or independent student for purposes of applying for state student aid. If you are a dependent student, you must report parent information, as well as your own information, on your application.

Reporting Parents’ Information

If you are a dependent student, you will need to report parent information. If you don’t live with your parents or if you don’t have access to your parents’ financial information, please contact our office immediately for further assistance.

Providing Financial Information

The Cal Dream Act asks for financial information, including balances of savings and checking accounts and information from tax forms. 

The Dream Act application asks for prior year tax year information. 

For example, for the 2021-2022 Dream Act Application, you will need to provide your 2019 Tax information.

Signing and Submitting the Cal Dream Act

Before your Cal Dream Act can be processed, you will need to sign and submit the application. Here are some tips as you finish up your application:

  • Be sure to sign with your username and password so your Cal Dream Act application will be processed as quickly as possible. If you are providing parent information, one of your parents will be required to sign your application.
  • Once you see your confirmation page, you will know you have successfully submitted your Cal Dream Act application. If you provided an email address on the application, you will automatically receive the confirmation page by email. There are a few differences between the emailed confirmation and the one you will see on the application before exiting the application, so consider printing or saving your confirmation page before you exit.
  • When you fill out the Cal Dream Act application, you are automatically applying for state financial aid.
  • If you are a Dependent Student and your parent cannot sign your Application due qualifying extraordinary circumstances, email the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at finaid@csueastbay.edu.