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 Frequently Asked Questions

What is Financial Aid?

How do I apply?

When should I apply?

What if I miss the priority deadline of March 2?

How long does it take?

Which application do I complete? 2008-2009 or 2009-2010?

What is a PIN# and how do I get one?


I had a PIN but I forgot it.  What do I do?

Why does my parent need a PIN?

Am I dependent or independent for 2009-2010?

I'm planning on going on to a University should I save my FAFSA grants and use them then?

But what if I or my parents make too much money, am I still eligible?

How do I know if I am eligible?  What types of aid will I get?

Why is financial aid office asking for copies of taxes and additional documents?

How do I check my status?

Do my grades matter?

What are grants?

What is Federal Work Study?

What is a BOGW and how can I get one?

If I receive a fee waiver after I pay for my classes, what do I do?

How can I qualify for a scholarship?

How can I get a student loan?

When do I get my money?

Why did I receive less money than is listed on my award letter?

If I add late-start classes or add a class after the first day of the semester, will I still receive a disbursement for that class?


Is there someone in your office that can help me fill out my FAFSA online?

 

Q: What is Financial Aid?

A:  A number of programs designed to help students with limited resources meet their educational expenses that are administered by the Financial Aid Office.  Programs include enrollment fee waivers, grants, federal work study, scholarships and loans. 

Q:  How do I Apply?

A:  To apply, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  Be sure to include Rio Hondo College’s school code 001269 so that your FAFSA information is sent to us electronically by the Department of Education.  Also, in order for us to receive your information, be sure that your social security number is correct when completing the FAFSA and that it matches the social security number you provided on your enrollment application to Rio Hondo College.  

Q:  When should I apply?

A:  The ideal time to apply is between January 1 and March 2 to assure your application is processed in time for fall and that all available aid is offered to you.  The priority deadline to apply is March 2

Q: What if I miss the priority deadline of March 2?

A: You can still apply after this date.  Remember, the longer you take to apply, the longer you will have to wait to be processed, and some awards are offered only on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Q:  How long does it take?

A:
 Electronically after completion, the FAFSA is processed between 48-72 hours as long as all sections are complete with student (and parent, if necessary) signatures.  After the FAFSA has been processed by the Department of Education, Rio Hondo College will receive the electronic results of the FAFSA within approximately 7-10 business days as long as the student has already completed their application for admission to the college.  At which time, your financial aid assistant will start reviewing your application. This process should take 4-6 weeks from the date the last requested document is received. Please make sure that Rio Hondo’s school code (001269) is on the FAFSA application.

Q:  Which application do I complete?  2008-2009 or 2009-2010?

A:  The 2008-2009 FAFSA application started Summer school of 2008, and ends as soon as Spring 2009 is over.  As of the end of Spring 2009, the 2008-2009 FAFSA application is no longer used for any type of aid at Rio Hondo College.  If you will be enrolled in any of the following terms: Summer 2009, Fall 2009 or Spring 2010 - then you will want to complete the 2009-2010 FAFSA application.  Please make sure that you try to complete this application before it's priority processing deadline of March 2nd, 2009.

Q:  What is a PIN# and how do I get one?

A:
 A PIN is your Personal Identification Number, which is how you sign your FAFSA application electronically.  Once you receive a pin number, this is the number you will use every year you apply for FAFSA. A  PIN# is the quickest and easiest way to sign your FAFSA application… And it’s FREE!  Visit http://www.pin.ed.gov to apply. 

Q: I had a PIN but I forgot it.  What do I do?

A: Don’t worry just go to the PIN Site and request a Duplicate Pin.  When asked select Display Now and you will be able to view your existing PIN.

Q: Why does my parent need a PIN?

A: If you are considered a dependent by the federal government, your parent needs to sign your application.  The pin is the electronic signature of your parent and must be submitted with your application.

Q:  Am I Dependent or Independent for 2009-2010?

A:
 Can you answer “YES” to any one of the following questions?:

  • Where you born before January 1st, 1986?
  • At the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program?
  • As of today, are you married?
  • Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
  • Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30th, 2010?
  • Are (a) both of your parents deceased, or (b) are you (or were you until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court?
  • Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are considered an Independent student.  If you answered “no” to all of these questions, regardless of your living situation, you are considered a Dependent student for all Federal Funding purposes.

 

Q: I’m planning on going on to a  University should I save my FAFSA and use it then?

A: If you qualify for a FAFSA grant, you can continue to receive your award until you’ve completed 105 units and you are transferring to a University. If you are obtaining an Associate degree only, then it’s 95 units. You can continue to receive your grant at the University usually until you obtain your Bachelor’s degree.

Q:  But what if I or my parents make too much money am I still eligible?

A:  Leave eligibility up to the Department of Education and the Financial Aid Office to determine. Just apply.  Many students are eligible for some type of aid.

Q:  How do I know if I am eligible? What types of aid will I get?

A:  You will be contacted by the Financial Aid Office once eligibility is determined and your awards have been offered to you and also, if additional information is needed to continue processing for various types of financial aid. 

Q: Why is the financial aid office asking for copies of taxes and additional documents?

A: The federal government selects students at random for a process called Verification.  If you are selected, the Financial Aid Office will request copies of your and/or your parents’ signed federal 1040 taxes (and w-2’s) to verify information is correct. 

Q:  How do I check my status?

A:  Feel free to call us at (562) 908-3411 or come in to the office.  We will be happy to let you know how your file is progressing.

Q:  Do my grades matter?

A:  Yes.  All students who apply for Financial Aid will have their academics reviewed to verify that they are making "SAP" or Satisfactory Academic Progress.  Maintaining this academic progress means that students refrain from receiving grades such as "W's", "F's", "IP's" or "NC's" on their academic transcripts.  Students must also keep their GPA above 2.0 and cannot exceed the allowable degree applicable units to complete an A.A., A.S., Vocational Certificate or Transfer program.  Please see our SAP Policy located in the Eligibility portion of our website.

Q:  What are grants?

A:  The greatest source of grant funds is the Federal Pell Grant which is federal money awarded to students based on financial need (determined by your FAFSA information) and in most cases, does not have to be paid back.  Cal Grants are also available which are state funds awarded in addition to the Federal Pell Grant.. 

For federal grants, students must be enrolled in a degree, certificate, or transfer program; have a high school diploma or equivalent, or pass an Ability to Benefit test; demonstrate financial need (determined by completing a FAFSA); maintain satisfactory academic progress; and be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

For state grants such as Cal Grants, students must be a California resident, meet requirements for the federal grants, and submit a GPA Verification form to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) in addition to completing the FAFSA by March 2.  Cal Grant recipients are selected by CSAC.  Community College students will be given a second opportunity to submit GPA Verification, if not selected , on September 2. If a student has more than 16 transferable units with Rio Hondo and you meet the qualifications, we will automatically submit the information for you.  Please check with our office if you are not sure.  You will be contacted by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) once your eligibility is determined. 

 

Q:  What is Federal Work Study?

A:  Students may be eligible for part-time employment through the Federal Work Study (FWS) program.  Students may work up to 20 hours per week and earn a monthly paycheck.  Federal Work Study awards are determined by financial need (by completing the FAFSA) and available to students enrolled in six (6) or more units per semester. Refer to your award notification to see if you qualified for work study. If you do, please follow directions on our Federal Work Study page .

Q:  What is a BOG and how can I get one?

A:  The BOGW program is for eligible California residents to help pay for tuition.  The BOGW is an electronic transaction from the Financial Aid Office to the Cashier’s Office which will waive the enrollment cost per unit (whether it be 1 unit or 21 units), the health cost, and a portion of your parking permit for Fall and Spring semesters.  The BOGW does not have to be paid back.  You may be eligible for a fee waiver even if you are not eligible for other types of aid.  Fee waivers do not apply to class material fees or the College Services Fee.  Students are responsible for making sure all fees have been paid.  If you must pay for your enrollment fees before your fee waiver is awarded, your tuition cost will be refunded to you once your fee waiver is processed as long as your fee waiver is awarded during that same semester. 

Eligibility for the BOGW will be automatically determined as soon as the Financial Aid Office receives the results of your FAFSA electronically.  Students who are currently receiving benefits from TANF/Cal Works, SSI/SSP, General Relief, or a certified veteran dependent by California Department of Veteran Affairs are eligible for a BOGW as long as they are California residents.  Just bring current proof of benefits (dated within the last 30 days) to the Financial Aid Office.  You will still need to complete the FAFSA to apply for other types of financial aid.

 

Q:  If I receive a fee waiver after I pay for my classes, what do I do?

A: First check with the Financial Aid office to see if you are in the fee waiver system.  If you are, then proceed to the Cashier’s window tell them you are in the BOGW system and request a refund.  Make sure you do this before the semester ends or they will not be able to refund the monies paid.

Q:  How can I qualify for a scholarship?

A:  To apply for Rio Hondo scholarships, visit our website and click on Scholarships.  All applications are electronic using the Star Scholarship System.

Q:  How can I get a student loan?

A:  Loans should be considered only when other sources of aid are unavailable or insufficient.  Loans are only to be used for educational purposes; they must be repaid with interest.  Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to be considered for a loan.  Students who request loans may be denied.  Students cannot exceed their loan aggregate.  To apply for a loan, students are to have completed a FAFSA.  Then they must pick up a loan packet, fill it out, and return to the financial aid office before the deadline.

 

Q:  When do I get my money?

A:  Disbursements are scheduled twice a semester.  However, we have disbursements throughout the semester based on when your file is completed and awarded.  Please check with the financial aid office to see when your disbursement date is. Students enrolled in less than six (6) units, and if eligible at "less-than half-time status", will receive their disbursement after 60% of the term has been completed.  Normally, state grants are disbursed 2-3 weeks after a student receives their federal aid.  Disbursement dates are based on classes that start during the first week of the semester.  It is highly recommended that you arrange for your disbursement to deposited automatically into your personal checking or savings account.  The form is on our website for downloading.  Please bring in the completed from into our office to arrange for this convenience.

 

Q:  Why did I receive less money than is listed on my award letter?

A:  Your Financial Aid award letter amounts are based on full-time enrollment, as well as all of your classes starting the first week of the beginning of the school term.  If you are enrolled in less than full-time units, you may still be eligible for a disbursement of funding - however, the amount will be based on the number of units of enrollment.  The break-up of funding percentages is as follows:

12 or more units = full-time enrollment (100% of offered funding for term)
9.0 - 11.5 units = 3/4-time enrollment (75% of offered funding for term)
6.0 - 8.5 units = 1/2-time enrollment (50% of offered funding for term)
                                                                                                                  5.5 or less units = less than half-time enrollment (please visit Financial Aid Office for inquiries of less than half-time enrollment disbursement criteria)

*Please note:  Classes that do not start the first week of the term/semester may be considered "late start classes".  Funding for such classes may not be available for the first disbursement of the semester.  For further information regarding late-start classes, please contact the Financial Aid Office.*

 

Q:  If I add late-start classes or add a class after the first day of the semester, will I still receive a disbursement for that class?

A:   If you add a class that starts late, meaning it does not start the first week of school, the Financial Aid Office will only receive notification of your enrollment after the last date to add the class without a "W".  This date is also called a "census date".  After the Financial Aid Office receives notification of your enrollment in such classes, you may receive your financial aid funding for such classes, in accordance with the normal processing for financial aid disbursements. If we have paid you for a certain number of units and then you add another class, we will make up the difference on the next disbursement date.

Q. Is there someone in your office that can help me fill out my FAFSA online?

A. Yes there is.  Just call us at (562) 463-7584 to set up an appointment and we will sit with you at the computer and assist you in filling out your FAFSA.  Please be sure to bring the documents listed on the Document Checklist when you come.




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