Disability-Related Financial Aid Support
Students with disabilities registered with 性视界鈥檚 Disability Programs and Services (DPS) may qualify for full-time financial aid benefits with fewer than 12 units if their disability supports a reduced course load.
This applies to specific California state grants 鈥� including Panther Promise and the Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG) 鈥� and does not apply to federal grants like Pell.
馃帗 Panther Promise and Reduced Unit Eligibility
If you qualify for the Panther Promise and have a verified disability, you may be eligible with fewer than 12 units if certified by a DPS counselor.
Requirements:
- Must be registered with DPS
- Must have submitted a FAFSA or California Dream Act application
- Must have submitted disability documentation and completed an Academic Accommodation Plan (AAP)
- Must be approved by a DPS counselor for a reduced course load due to disability
DPS can submit unit reduction verification directly to the Financial Aid Office for review.
馃弳 Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG) 鈥� Unit Reduction Policy (Beginning 2025鈥�26)
Beginning in the 2025鈥�26 academic year, students enrolled in 9 to 11 units may be considered full-time for SSCG purposes if they meet all of the following:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Registered with Disability Programs and Services (DPS)
- Completed a DPS application, submitted disability documentation, and have a current AAP that supports a reduced course load
- Enrolled in 9鈥�11 units
- Already qualify for a Cal Grant and meet SSCG financial aid requirements
Award Amounts:
- Standard SSCG: $1,298 per term
- Foster Youth (FFY) SSCG: $5,250 per term
Once eligibility is confirmed, DPS will notify Financial Aid that the student is approved to be treated as full-time for SSCG purposes.
馃抢 Important Notes:
- This policy does not apply to federal financial aid such as Pell Grants, which still require enrollment in 12 units or more for full-time eligibility.
- Each case is reviewed individually based on disability documentation and educational limitations.
- Unit reductions must be justified in the student's Academic Accommodation Plan and submitted by a DPS counselor.
馃摑 Next Steps for Students:
- Apply to DPS: DPS Webpage
- Submit your FAFSA: Financial Aid Website
- Meet with a DPS counselor to discuss whether a reduced course load is appropriate
- If approved, your counselor will notify Financial Aid on your behalf
Questions?
- For accommodation or unit reduction questions: DPS.staff@chaffey.edu
- For financial aid or SSCG questions: financialaid@chaffey.edu or visit the Financial Aid Office
