California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG)

The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) is additional aid from the California Student Aid Commission for students who use the state CADAA application and already receive Cal Grant A or B. It does not replace those awards and is not automatically granted because someone has DACA or lacks a Social Security number: it requires verified financial need, a separate DSIG application, and approved community service.

The official page lists up to $4,500 per academic year—$2,250 per semester or $1,500 per quarter—for no more than eight semesters or 12 quarters while the student keeps an active Cal Grant A or B. There are 1,667 awards each year, and applications may close once that cap is reached, even before June 30. Check WebGrants to see whether the 2026–27 application is available and whether funds remain.

First file CADAA for the relevant academic year and maintain an active Cal Grant A or B. CSAC requires sufficient financial need, determined by the commission and verified by the campus. Then submit a separate DSIG application every year. For 2026–27, CSAC says the electronic application is transitioning to WebGrants for Students; check the current portal instead of reusing forms from an earlier year. The commission confirms eligibility or requests more information before students begin counting service hours.

The service requirement is 300 hours between July 1 and June 30: 150 each semester or 100 each quarter. The host organization must qualify, and activities must relate to the student’s field of study or a community need; the program excludes service focused on political, social, or religious advocacy. Keep a current record of dates, tasks, and supervisor, and wait for approval before assuming earlier hours count. Request payment only after completing and documenting the requirements.

This grant is for students who already fit the CADAA/Cal Grant pathway and should not be confused with general eligibility for state or federal aid. Students who have not filed FAFSA or CADAA can use Cash for College’s free workshops throughout the year to get application help and learn about aid, including support for foster youth. Ask your campus about tax treatment and disbursement timing: DSIG may not pay immediately, and CSAC says the 2026–27 payment process will run through WebGrants for Institutions. Questions: dsig@csac.ca.gov.

Who it serves and what it can cover: 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.

How to apply or get help: Apply each academic year; the 2026–27 application is transitioning to WebGrants for Students. Questions: dsig@csac.ca.gov. Annual awards are limited. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.

Official application and program information