The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is available for students who qualify for AB540 residency status and are not eligible to complete the FAFSA application.  The CADAA is available starting October 1st of each year for the upcoming academic year.  The CADAA will determine your eligibility for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) as well as additional forms of financial aid offered by the State of California. 

AB540 Residency is determined by the Saddleback College Admissions and Records Office. Visit the Admissions and Records Office page for details regarding AB540 Residency.

Students who are eligible for AB540 residency status may apply for the CADAA and could be eligible for the following:

  • California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
  • State financial aid such as Cal Grants and Chafee Grants
  • Assistance from EOPS, CARE, or CalWORKs
  • Privately-funded scholarships

Contact the Saddleback College Financial Aid Office with additional questions.

California Dream Act Application FAQs

Video Resources

Steps to Complete the California Dream Act Application

If you need help completing the Dream Act Application, please contact the Saddleback College Financial Aid Office.

Login to the California Dream Act Website.

If you are a returning user, login and renew your application. If this is your first time applying, start a new application.

Start application.

Be sure to answer all questions as best as possible, and click on the "i" icon next to each question for additional information, please see example below:

If you’re a dependent student, your parent will create a Parent Pin to sign the application. If you’re an independent student, you’ll skip this step.

You will receive an email confirmation saying your application was submitted.

California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) Program

The California Dream Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) encourages California Dream Act Application students with a Cal Grant B award to perform community or volunteer service. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) awards up to $4,500 per academic year (up to $2,250 per semester) to 1,667 eligible students. The grant is available to the student for up to 8 semesters while they have an active Cal Grant B award. Students must also meet Satisfactory Academic Progress and complete any necessary verification for their Cal Grant B award.

Dream Act Service Incentive Grant FAQs
More information

Information for Undocumented Students

Saddleback College, in alignment with the South Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees, is deeply committed to the inclusion of all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, heritage, national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, medical condition, or disability.

Saddleback College is committed to the following:

  • The College will not allow federal immigration officials on campus absent legal authority.
  • The College will not act on behalf of federal agencies to enforce immigration laws or aid in deportation.
  • The College does not share student records containing confidential information about students without written consent, a court order or other legal mandate.
  • The College Police officers will not participate in any voluntary program of immigration enforcement.
  • If ICE approaches faculty on campus, please refer them to Human Resources or Campus Police.
  • If students have any questions and/or concerns, please see the Financial Aid Office or Counseling.

If students have any questions and/or concerns, please see the Financial Aid Office or Counseling.

Resources for Undocumented Students

California Community College Students Legal Advisory 2019-03