ISAC Student PortalDisplaced Energy Worker Dependent Transition Scholarship Program Eligibility Requirements
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.
{ISAC Rules, Part 2746.20}
To qualify for the Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Transition Scholarship Program, an applicant must be:
- a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen who meets the eligibility requirements to complete the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (any ISAC grant or scholarship program that requires the FAFSA will also accept the Alternative Application);
- the natural child, legally adopted child or stepchild of an energy worker who has lost employment due to the reduced operation or closure of a fossil fuel power plant or coal mine;
- enrolled or accepted for enrollment, on a full- or part-time basis (at least 3 credit hours) at an Illinois public university or community college; and
- in the absence of transition scholarship assistance, deterred by financial considerations from completing an educational program at the Illinois public university or community college of choice, as shown by there being unmet need in their financial aid package.
An applicant does not need to be a resident of Illinois at the time of enrollment, however, the award is limited to the cost of in-district and in-state tuition and fees. The award amount will not exceed the cost of tuition and fees at the institution.
