Frequently asked questions about Student Financial Resources and paying for college.
BFET
How do I qualify?
Be eligible for basic food benefits and NOT receiving TANF. You must not have student loans in default unless loans are currently being rehabilitated (active plan for pay back).
What will BFET help me with?
BFET may be able to help with books, tools, supplies, tuition (all on a funding-available basis) as well as child care assistance through DSHS.
How long can BFET help me?
BFET is a transitional funding source. In other words, it will get you started. If you need to attend college for more than 45 credits, you may need to find other funding resources.
Can BFET give me money like Financial Aid?
No. BFET can pay for things on your behalf, not give you money directly.
Financial Aid
What type of Financial aid is available through the FAFSA application?
The FAFSA application is the application for traditional Financial aid, which includes Federal and State grants, Work Study and Federal Stafford loans.
How do I apply for FAFSA?
You may apply online by going to www.fafsa.ed.gov
How do I make sure BTC receives a copy of my FAFSA? What is BTC's School Code?
When you complete your FAFSA, list BTC as a college you want to receive a copy of your FAFSA (BTC School Code is 016227).
What is the status of my FAFSA?
After you complete your FAFSA you will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) from the US Dept of Education. If you listed an email address you will receive you SAR via email, if you do not have an email address your SAR will be mailed to the address you listed when you completed your FAFSA.
I submitted by FAFSA last week. What do I do next?
When BTC receives a copy of your FAFSA, you will be sent a letter acknowledging receipt of your FAFSA information . Your letter will include additional items and forms you need to complete and provide to the financial aid office.
How do I know what I will get? Will Financial Aid cover by tuition, books and living expenses?
As soon as your financial aid file has been processed, you will receive an award letter. This award letter will list any grant funds for which you are eligible. If you need additional funds, you may need to apply for a student loan.
How do I apply for Loans?
You will automatically be awarded loans. If you would like to accept the loans you will need to sign and return award letter. You must also complete the following steps online at https://studentloans.gov:- Set up an account
- complete Entrance Counseling for Stafford Loans
- submit an electronic Master Promissory Note.
How do I receive funds from my financial aid awards?
At the beginning of each quarter your financial aid funds for that quarter will be used to pay any outstanding tuition and fees. Any funds in excess of your tuition and fees will be paid to you via check.
When will my check be released?
Checks are released approximately 1 week after an award letter is signed and the quarter has started. The loan steps must also be completed before loan funds can be released. There is a 30 day delay for releasing loan funds for the first quarter attended for first time BTC students.
How do I get my financial aid check?
As student checks are processed, a list of Student ID Numbers of students who have checks available is posted by the Cashier Window. Once you start attending classes for your new quarter, you will need take a check release form to your primary instructor and have them verify that you are attending classes. You will then need to take that check release form to the Cashier window and pick up your check.
Worker Retraining
What is the State Worker Retraining Program?
The Worker Retraining Program (WRT) at BTC is a partnership between the community and technical colleges and Employment Security Department to provide access to training and funding to support unemployed workers who wish to upgrade their skills or train for a new career.
If qualified, what will I be eligible to receive from the college?
- Tuition and book assistance to take classes in any of our “career” programs/li>
- Early registration status/li>
- Support services
How does this work with my unemployment benefits?
** If you are or will be receiving Unemployment Insurance Benefits, you MUST obtain prior permission from Employment Security before attending school:
- CAT- Commissioner Approved Training request is a request to Employment Security to allow you to attend school and collect your unemployment insurance without actively seeking employment.
- TB- An application for Training Benefits is a potential extension of unemployment benefits while attending full-time school. This form must be submitted within 90 days from when you opened your Unemployment claim.
You will periodically (every 6 weeks) receive a Progress Report from Employment Security that will need to be signed off by the BTC Worker Retraining Office.
You may be eligible for Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) and Training Benefits (TB) by submitting paperwork to the Employment Security Department. Eligibility for both will be determined by the Employment Security Department. CAT would allow you to attend school full time (12 credits) and have the job search waived. It does not extend your unemployment benefits, and does not provide tuition and book assistance. TB if approved would allow you to receive additional unemployment benefits after you have exhausted your regular unemployment claim. To be considered for training benefits, you have to submit your application within 90 days of filing your unemployment benefits claim. You are also required to enroll in school within 120 days.
How much tuition and book assistance can I receive? Can I receive it for my entire training?
Worker Retraining tuition and book assistance is generally available for one quarter or until you reach 15 credits, whichever is greater.
What other resources are available for me to pay for school if Worker Retraining is not available or if I am no longer eligible?
You are required to apply for financial aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov even if you think you are not eligible. By completing a financial aid file with BTC you will also be considered for other grants, loans, and workstudy programs. You can also apply for federal dislocated worker funds (WIA) through the Bellingham WorkSource Office. You should have a plan prepared if tuition and book funds are not available to you for a particular quarter.
If your current financial situation differs significantly in comparison to the prior year’s tax information you used to fill out the FAFSA, once you receive your financial aid award package, you can have your financial aid reviewed. Visit the BTC Financial Resources office and fill out a “Petition for Special Circumstances”.
Can I take a couple of classes without earning a degree or certificate?
Yes, as long as the classes lead to employment, and the classes are found in one of the professional/technical degrees or certificates.
Do I have to go to school full time (12 credits)?
No, you can attend school part time (minimum of 6 credits) as a Worker Retraining student. However, to be eligible for Commissioner Approved Training (CAT) or Training Benefits (TB), you do need to be attending full time (12 credits).
Can I work while I am going to school?
Yes, in some cases this will help extend your unemployment benefits. It is important that you report your earnings to the Employment Security Department.
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Financial Resources
