The CADAA is used to determine the California state financial eligibility of students who meet the qualifications of Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540).

• The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will process this application.
• Any aid received can only be used at eligible California institutions.
• Complete the CADAA if one of the following residential statuses applies to you:
  • Undocumented (with or without DACA)
  • Temporary Protected Status
  • U-Visa holder

The CADAA becomes available October 1st of every year, and must be submitted for every year you plan to use financial aid. Note that submitting the application prior to the March 2nd priority deadline will maximize the amount of financial aid you may be able to receive.

1. Access the CADAA online
2. First-time applicants must create a User ID and Password, while renewal applicants can retrieve a forgotten User ID and Password (hyperlink this information)
3. Start an application for the correct academic year: 2024-2025: Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025
4. Provide the requested tax & income information from two years prior: 2024-2025: 2022 tax & income information
5. Add College of San Mateo to your application using the School Code 00118100
6. If you cannot answer “Yes” to any of the Dependency Questions, you must provide parent information
7. Electronically sign your application
8. If you are considered Dependent, have your parent electronically sign by creating a Parent PIN for first-time signers, or retrieving a forgotten PIN for renewal signers
9. Once your CADAA is processed you will receive an email notification for the financial aid office instructing you to login to your WebSMART to view what financial aid documentation, if any, you need to provide (view step by step instructions)
10. You may also view your financial aid award and disbursement information by logging in to your WebSMART account (view step by step instructions)
11. SMCCCD partners with BankMobile to issue student financial aid refunds. CSM Disbursement Schedule