The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) is an additional state award for students who already receive Cal Grant A or B and file CADAA, California’s application for certain students who cannot use FAFSA. It is not general aid for every undocumented student: it requires demonstrated financial need, a separate application, and approved community service. The DSIG profile explains how those conditions fit together.
CSAC lists up to $4,500 per academic year, capped at $2,250 per semester or $1,500 per quarter. Students may receive it for up to eight semesters or 12 quarters while maintaining an active Cal Grant A or B. The commission limits the cohort to 1,667 awards a year and may close applications when funds run out before June 30; the published maximum is therefore not guaranteed to every applicant.
The practical order is to file CADAA for the academic year, maintain an active Cal Grant A or B, and submit a separate DSIG application for that year. CSAC determines sufficient need and the campus verifies it. For 2026–27 the agency says the electronic application is moving to WebGrants for Students; check your official account instead of treating a prior-year form as current. The agency must confirm eligibility before you begin counting service hours.
The service requirement is 300 hours from July 1 through June 30: 150 per semester or 100 per quarter. Work must be done with a qualifying organization and relate to the student’s field or a community need. The guide excludes activities centered on political, social, or religious advocacy. Keep a record of dates, tasks, and supervisor, and follow the institution’s validation process before requesting payment.
After acceptance, students must complete the hours, provide documentation, and request disbursement; the award may not arrive at the beginning of the term. CSAC says 2026–27 payments will be processed through WebGrants for Institutions, so monitor official notices and your college account. Cash for College holds free workshops for FAFSA or CADAA help and other programs, including support for foster youth. DSIG questions: dsig@csac.ca.gov. Budget on the assumption that DSIG supplements Cal Grant and does not automatically cover the full cost of attendance.
Dream Act Service Incentive Grant — CSAC.
Cash for College — CSAC.
Guide based on official sources checked October 12, 2026. Rules, award amounts, and dates depend on the academic year and may change; confirm eligibility with the agency and college before enrolling.
DSIG pairs additional aid with a substantial service requirement; confirm approval and available awards in WebGrants before relying on the funds.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG)
For students who filed CADAA, hold an active Cal Grant A or B, and have financial need verified by their campus. A separate DSIG application and 300 annual volunteer hours with an eligible organization are required; service must relate to the student’s field or a community need. Up to $4,500 yearly for at most eight semesters or 12 quarters; this is not automatic aid for every undocumented student.
Additional California aid for CADAA students with Cal Grant and verified community service
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
CSAC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
CSAC · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
California Student Aid Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) ↗
Primary source
California Student Aid Commission · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.