Forms

Verification is a process required by the U.S. Department of Education and the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) that is intended to improve the accuracy of the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

If selected for verification, we may request additional documents to verify the information on your financial aid application. We cannot disburse financial aid until all verification and documentation requirements are satisfied. 

After you file your FAFSA or CADAA, your application may be selected for verification, in which case we will notify you via email to your Cal Maritime email account and place items on your "To-Do list" located in Self Service through PeopleSoft.

Only complete the forms that have been requested and appear on your PeopleSoft Student System To-Do list.

Starting with the 2025-2026 academic year, the Financial Aid Office is introducing a new easy, mobile, personalized process that makes everything about navigating financial aid easier.

Students selected for verification will be able to:

  • Complete financial aid forms on your phone, tablet, or computer.
  • Securely upload documents from any device.
  • E-sign documents—both you and your parents!
  • Manage your financial aid tasks online
  • Receive automated reminders about outstanding tasks and next steps

Check your email and your To-Do list for additional information and instructions on completing tasks assigned to you.

If you do not have any To-Do list items, you were not selected for verification and you do not have to submit additional information to us.

Appeals

Special Circumstance – SAI Appeal

If there has been a significant reduction to your (student or parent) income from what was reported on the FAFSA or CADAA applications you can begin the appeal process by logging into the new Student Forms portal.

Types of circumstances that can be considered for a Special Circumstances – SAI Appeal:

  • Loss of employment
  • Other loss of income
  • Marital separation or divorce
  • Disability or retirement
  • Death of a parent or spouse
  • One-time payment received

Cost of Attendance (COA) Appeal 

If you believe the Cost of Attendance used in determining your financial aid was not sufficient to cover your actual expenses you can submit a COA appeal. Aid increases for approved COA appeals will usually be in the form of additional loans . You can begin the appeal process by logging into the new Student Forms portal.

Allowable Expenses: Expenses that exceed the basic student budget/COA

  • Living expenses including reasonable rent and utilities above what was already budgeted. 
  • Educational Expenses
    • In addition to the basic “Books and Supplies” category of the student expense budget
  • Transportation and travel expenses
  • Child care
  • One-time computer purchase (up to $1,750)

NOTE: A student can only request an increase for a computer once during their program of study.

  • Medical, dental, or vision care not covered by health insurance
  • Disability expenses

 Examples of Expenses Not Allowed:
The following are examples of circumstances that do not count as special circumstances:

  • Cable bill
  • Standard living expenses (e.g., utilities, credit card expenses, children’s allowances, etc.)
  • Car payments
  • Trips, vacations, or entertainment expenses
  • Lawn care
  • Personal debt
  • All other discretionary expenses.
  • Expenses to/for parents/other members of the family

 

Contact Information

Financial Aid Office
financialaid@csum.edu 
 (707) 654-1287 
Office Hours: M-F 8 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 
 Mayo Hall