Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Transition Scholarship Program Application Procedures

NOTICE: 2026-27 Alternative Application

On July 24, 2026, a federal district court ruled that undocumented students are no longer eligible to receive state financial assistance from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) for the 2026-27 school year. This means that students who submitted the 2026-27 Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, including Illinois undocumented students, cannot be considered for any ISAC financial aid program for the 2026-27 school year. The 2026-27 Alternative Application is no longer available.

The eligibility criteria for the 2027-28 Alternative Application have changed from prior years.

For students who have questions specific to the 2026-27 Alternative Application and academic year, please see ⁠Student and Family FAQs: 2026-27 Alternative Application.

Applicants may complete and submit the Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Transition Scholarship Program application for the 2026-27 academic year via the Program Applications & Status Checks area of the ISAC Student Portal. In addition, students must also submit the corresponding year’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) by the priority consideration date.

The date by which an application must be submitted is based on the first term for which the applicant is requesting funds. For the 2026-27 academic year:

  • October 1, 2026 – 1st term only or full year consideration
  • March 1, 2027 – 2nd semester (2nd/3rd quarter) only or 2nd semester (2nd/3rd quarter) and summer term consideration
  • June 15, 2027 – summer term only consideration

Applicants must use a desktop or laptop computer with a stable internet connection to complete the application (it cannot be completed using a tablet or mobile device).

ISAC sends immediate confirmation to the applicant's email address that their application has been received. If the application, including required documentation, is incomplete, they receive a letter from ISAC explaining the reason(s) and advising how to resolve the issue.