The California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth is designed to help young people who experienced foster care pay for postsecondary study. It may be used at colleges and certain eligible career programs, but it does not replace review of other aid or guarantee full coverage.
Official information says eligible students who were in foster care between ages 16 and 18 may receive up to $4,500 per year for no more than five years. The program accepts applications through age 26 under its current rules. A school may ask for documentation of foster-care history, and students must maintain eligible enrollment and academic progress.
The annual maximum is not a guaranteed payment: the amount depends on available funding, cost, and enrollment, and may coordinate with other aid. CSAC lists Chafee alongside other California foster-youth resources, so ask for a complete aid review and do not confuse Chafee with additional Cal Grant support.
Complete the Chafee application and the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application as applicable, and contact your campus foster-youth liaison. Prepare an official foster-care verification letter if the school requests one; CSAC says it may be obtained through the state Foster Care Ombudsperson’s Office. Check your account and campus dates each year.
The agency or institution determines final eligibility and the award under current-cycle rules and available funding. Read the program profile and the administering agency; ask the college for an individual review.
Students leaving care should ask the campus liaison to coordinate Chafee with the school’s foster-youth support services, housing contacts, and other aid review. Keep a private copy of eligibility documentation and submit it only through the channel the agency or college specifies. Because a maximum award is not a promise that the full amount will be offered, request a written estimate showing how the grant will be credited alongside Pell and other assistance.
California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth — California Student Aid Commission.
Foster Youth Students — California Student Aid Commission.
California Foster Care Ombudsperson — California Department of Social Services.
Information checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, deadlines, award amounts, and funding change by cycle. Confirm current terms with the agency and your college financial-aid office.
The agency or institution determines final eligibility and the award under current-cycle rules and available funding.
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California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
Official information says eligible students who were in foster care between ages 16 and 18 may receive up to $4,500 per year for no more than five years. The program accepts applications through age 26 under its current rules. A school may ask for documentation of foster-care history, and students must maintain eligible enrollment and academic progress.
Public student-aid program
California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) — Foster Youth Services
The state office administers or coordinates the program, while the college confirms individual eligibility, enrollment, and award amounts where the rules assign it that role.
Public student-aid agency
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
California Student Aid Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
California Student Aid Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
California Department of Social Services · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth ↗
Primary source
California Student Aid Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth ↗
Primary source
California Student Aid Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) — Foster Youth Services ↗
Primary source
California Student Aid Commission · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) — Foster Youth Services ↗
Primary source
California Department of Social Services · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.