Steps to Apply for the Direct PLUS
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The dependent student and parent need to complete the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) .
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The dependent student and parent need to submit all requested documents to the SMC Financial Aid Office. Note: Assessment of general federal aid eligibility must be completed before a PLUS LOAN can be awarded by SMC.
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The parent must submit a PLUS LOAN Application with the Department of Education.
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If you are approved for the loan, SMC will receive a PLUS Certification Request from the federal government. The request will be processed by the Financial Aid Office and the award posted on student's Corsair Connect Financial Aid portal. Turn‐around time is about 2 to 3 weeks. During peak periods, this could take longer.
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Complete the Parent PLUS LOAN Master Promissory Note. This step only becomes available after the SMC Financial Aid Office has certified the loan.
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After SMC receives the funding from the Department of Education, a check will be processed through Los Angeles County and sent to the parent. If the student owes no charges to SMC, then SMC will endorse the PLUS check before mailing it to the parent. If the student owes charges, the check will be sent to the parent without endorsement. The parent will have to endorse their portion of the check and send it back to the Bursar's Office for payment processing. If there is a remaining balance left over after the fees have been paid, a refund check will be sent to the parent.