How to Apply for Financial Aid: 2026-2027

How to File Your 2026–2027 FAFSA

  1. Create an FSA ID (if you’re a first-time applicant) 
    Go to StudentAid.gov and create your FSA ID. This lets you sign your FAFSA online. 
  • Your parent(s) must have their own FSA ID and password to complete their portion of the FAFSA. 
  1. Gather Your Documents. Documents you’ll need include: 
  • Your Social Security Number (or Alien Registration Number if applicable) 
  • Your driver’s license (if you have one) 
  • Your and your parents’ 2024 tax returns and income info 
  • Your bank statements and records of investments (if any) 
  1. Start Your FAFSA 
    Go to FAFSA.gov and select 2026–2027 FAFSA form. 
  1. Fill Out the FAFSA  
  • Make sure to enter BMCC’s federal school code 002691 so your FAFSA information is sent to the college. 
  • If you’re a dependent student, you’ll need to include parent information. At least one parent will be listed as a contributor. 
  • Contributors (your spouse, or your parent(s) and your parent’s spouse) must provide info, sign the FAFSA, and give consent to share their federal tax info. 
  1. Sign and Submit 
    Use your FSA ID to sign electronically. Then submit your FAFSA. 
  • If you invite a contributor, you’ll also see their invitation information and the status of their sections. 
  1. Check Your FAFSA Status 
    After submitting, you’ll get a Student Aid Report (SAR) by email or mail. Review it and make any corrections if needed.  

 Need help? Contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center here: https://studentaid.gov/help-center/contact

How to File Your 2026–2027 TAP Application

Before applying for TAP, students must complete the FAFSA (unless they are applying for TAP through the José Peralta DREAM Act Portal). 

  1. Click on “Start my application” and log in: https://www.tap.hesc.ny.gov/totw/   
  • First Time users must click on the link to create an account. Returning students enter the requested information, then click on enter. If you forgot the user id or pin, click on the link to retrieve the information. 
  1. Review your information and check the confirm box, and then continue. 
  1. Choose the aid year that you need to complete, then click on next (2026-2027) 
  1. Follow the instructions on the application.  

You’ll need:  

  • You and/or your parent(s) will need your 2024 state tax documents (IT-201 pages), if applicable. 
  • Your parent(s) New York State Driver’s or Non-Driver’s ID
  1. Be sure to add BMCC’s TAP College Code: 1404 “CUNY Manhattan CC”  
  1. After you finish the application, review your answers carefully and then submit it with your (and your parents’) signatures. 

For more information on TAP:  https://www.hesc.ny.gov/NYSTAP

See here for how to Complete your application & resolve Common Errors: https://youtu.be/d1cSxoastvU?si=iU3bhTGHRIto7xam  

Need help? Speak with a HESC representative: https://hesc.ny.gov/get-help/speak-hesc

2026-2027 Dream Act (TAP)

If you are not a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, you may still qualify for New York State aid through the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) under the NYS DREAM Act. Learn more and apply at www.hesc.ny.gov/dream/    

AM I ELIGIBLE?  

There are various factors to become eligible for the NYS DREAM Act, such as New York State Residency, College Enrollment, and Immigration Status 

RESIDENCY ELIGIBILITY 

Attended a NYS high school for 2+ years or received a NYS high school equivalency diploma within the last 5 years.  

COLLEGE ENROLLMENT 

Be enrolled in a SUNY, CUNY, or eligible NYS private college & be charged the NYS resident in-state tuition rate. 

Note: Students who have a foreign high school diploma applying for New York State (NYS) Financial Aid are required to meet the New York State Ability to Benefit (ATB) exam standards 

IMMIGRATION STATUS 

T-Visa, U-Visa, Undocumented (including those with DACA Status), and other eligible non-citizens 

HOW DO I APPLY?  

  1. Gather Your Documents 
    If you’re applying for the first time, you may need: 
  • Proof of NY residency (like utility bills or lease agreements) 
  • Your high school transcripts or NY high school equivalency diploma 
  • Any documents related to your immigration status 
  1. Log into the DREAM Portal or Create an Account 
    Get started here: Log In To Apply 
  1. First-Time Applicants: Submit the Eligibility Form 
    Fill out and submit this form in the DREAM Portal. 
  1. After Approval: Complete the 2026–2027 NYS TAP Application 
  • You’ll need your and/or your parent(s) 2024 New York State tax return income info to fill it out. 
  1. Watch for an Email from HESC 
    Usually, within 1–3 weeks, you’ll get an email confirming your TAP eligibility and award amount. 
  1. Return to the DREAM Portal 
    After you get the email, complete the Acceptance Form to officially accept your TAP award. 

NEED HELP? 

Questions about your application? 

NYSDREAM@applyISTS.com 

Application status? 

dreamactcc@hesc.ny.gov  

Live chat with an ISTS agent 

Chat with an ISTS representative by logging into your Dream Act Portal Account and clicking the green chat bubble on the bottom right of the screen.  

Questions for the ASAP team? 

ASAPfinaid@bmcc.cuny.edu 

 Alternate Eligibility Path

This application is designed for students who are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, but at least one of the student’s family members who is a required FAFSA contributor is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

What to know

  • There are three pathways to access NYS financial aid available to students: the FAFSA, the NYS DREAM Act, or an Alternate Eligibility Pathway. 
  • Use the HESC prescreening tool to help you and your family determine the best path for your situation. This tool will guide you through a series of questions to identify the most appropriate option for applying for New York State financial aid.

See here for more information: Alternate Eligibility Path | HESC