I am a current/former foster youth. How do I know what I'm eligible for?
You may be eligible for different programs based on your age, school, DCF history, and more. See the Get Help Paying for School page for additional information including the detailed eligibility criteria for each program.
ETV: What will/won't ETV pay for?
ETV pays for things associated with the “cost of education” as defined by the federal law. These things are:
- Tuition and fees
- Room and board
- Rental or purchase of required equipment, materials, supplies (including a computer)
- Books
- Transportation
- Required residential training
- Special study projects
- Accommodations related to a student’s disability, such as a personal assistant or specialized equipment not paid for by another source
- Student loan fees or insurance premiums on the student loan for the current award year
- Other education related expenses
ETV cannot be used for expenses that are unrelated to the cost of your education. For instance, phone bills, payment for previous student loans, childcare, internet services/Wi-Fi, leisure activities, etc.
ETV: I was receiving ETV, but I am not taking classes this semester. When I start taking classes again will I still be eligible?
Yes - despite not taking classes for a semester or more you may still be eligible for ETV until age 26.
ETV: Do I need to pay back the ETV funds if I withdraw for the semester?
No - However, it may impact eligibility for future awards. Please notify your DCF ETV Worker and Social Worker (if applicable) when considering a withdrawal.
ETV: I've used all my ETV funds for the year, when am I eligible for more funds?
If the limit for ETV funds has been reached for the year, talk to your Social Worker, Adolescent Worker, and the school you are attending to determine if there are other funding sources available for this academic year. You can also reapply for more ETV funds after July 1st for the fall semester.
ETV: Who should I contact if my ETV funds aren’t enough to cover all of my expenses?
If you have an open case, contact your DCF Social Worker or Adolescent Outreach Worker. All other students should contact youth.support@mass.gov. Please note that DCF can assist with making higher education affordable, but there is no guarantee that all costs will be covered.
ETV: I received a financial aid refund, what should I do?
First check to see if there are any outstanding loans to which the refund can be applied. If you have a refund and no outstanding loans, contact your DCF Social Worker, Adolescent Outreach Worker, or ETV Worker to determine if the refund can be used to help pay for an upcoming semester or housing on campus during breaks.
ETV: I aged out of foster care in MA and now live in another state. Which state is responsible for providing my ETV funds?
The state where you now live is responsible for providing ETV to eligible current and former foster youth, unless you moved to that state for the sole purpose of attending post-secondary or vocational school. In that case, Massachusetts will continue to provide the voucher for as long as you remain eligible.
Tuition & Fee Waiver: Which classes qualify for the State Tuition and Fee Waiver?
Any state supported course offered at a public college or university toward an undergraduate degree program or certificate program qualifies. In-person daytime courses usually qualify. Schools may include or exclude non-credit courses or short-term certificate programs.
To confirm that your courses qualify for the waiver, contact your school's Office of Financial Aid or Registrar/Bursar's office.
Tuition & Fee Waiver: What is the difference between the Adoption Tuition and Fee Waiver and the Foster Care Tuition and Fee Waiver?
The Adoption and Foster Care Tuition and Fee Waivers provide the same benefit, but they have different eligibility criteria and are managed by different parts of the Department of Children and Families.
- Children adopted through DCF by Massachusetts residents or employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will qualify for the Adoption Tuition and Fee Waiver regardless of the date of adoption. The Adoption Waiver program is managed by the Adoption Subsidy Support Unit and they can be contacted at Subsidy.Unit@mass.gov.
- Children who were in DCF care through 18 (via a Care and Protective petition) or were guardianed through DCF will qualify for the Foster Care Tuition and Fee Waiver, which is managed by the DCF Adolescent and Young Adult Services Unit. Learn more about the Foster Care Tuition and Fee Waiver eligibility rules and apply here.
Tuition & Fee Waiver: Is my Foster Care Tuition and Fee Waiver automatically applied to my student account?
No - once you receive your tuition and fee waiver you are responsible for submitting it directly to the school that you are attending. If you transfer or attend a different school, you will need to submit your documentation to your new school. It is your responsibility to ensure that your waiver is on file with your school and applied to your student account. Please save a copy of all documents received.
Tuition & Fee Waiver: When is the best time to apply for the Foster Care Tuition and Fee Waiver?
Once you turn 18, you should apply as soon as possible, even if you don't know which school you will be attending. It is better to apply early to ensure funds are available. Funds cannot be applied after a semester has ended.
Foster Care Grant: I was receiving a Foster Child Grant, but I am not taking classes this semester. When I start taking classes again will I still be eligible?
Yes - despite not taking classes for a semester or more, you are still eligible for the Foster Child Grant until age 25; however, you are only eligible to receive the grant for 5 consecutive years of an undergraduate degree or certificate program, beginning the first academic year you receive the grant. If you take a semester or year off from school, your eligibility does not get extended beyond 5 years.
Foster Care Grant: Is my Foster Care Grant award automatically applied to my student account?
Yes - Once your application has been processed and the school has completed its verification process, the funds will be distributed directly to the school by the Department of Higher Education according to their payment schedule. Applications received after June 16th are considered late and funding may be delayed and is subject to availability. Funds cannot be paid out for past semesters.
Once your application has been completed and is on file, you do not need to apply again. If you transfer schools, you should notify DCF and speak with the Financial Aid office at your new school.
What do I do if I have more questions?
Please email youth.support@mass.gov.