When can I apply for the SFIC Tuition Assistance?
The application period for the 2022-2023 school year is now available on the www.sficnj.org website via the Parent/Student Portal . The application may only be filled out and submitted on-line and will be considered complete once ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS are submitted. Any applications and required financial documents must be received by the extended deadline date of May 31, 2022 in order to be considered. Check the Parent/Student Portal regularly for updates.
How can I apply?
Returning families who are currently receiving a scholarship or have previously applied will receive an email with instructions on how to re-apply with a special link to access the on line application. Returning families MUST USE THE UNIQUE LINK sent via email. Do not re-apply through the NEW APPLICANT link. This will create a duplicate record in our system and the processing of the application will be delayed or you may lose the aid you are receiving now.
New applicant families applying for the very first time should visit the PARENT PORTAL at www.sficnj.org and create an account as a new family. When creating your account be aware that SFIC does not have access to your password so be diligent and save the information where you can readily gain access to it. You will be using this annually when you re-apply.
What is needed with my application?
All applications must include a copy of your 2021 Federal 1040 form and all 2021 W-2 forms (and Schedule 1 or Schedule C if it is reported on the Federal 1040 form).
A $30 non-refundable on-line fee payable to SFIC is required at the time you file your application (we do not accept cash or money orders – you must use a credit card/debit card/pre-paid credit card to pay the fee). The application will not be saved without the fee payment.
The 2021 Federal 1040 form must include the name(s) of each child for whom you are requesting assistance and list all of the household members. If appropriate, you should also include copies of Unemployment (or 1099), Child Support, Public Assistance, Social Security benefits (or 1099ss) and proof of guardianship. If the child is claimed by another guardian we will need the 2021 Federal 1040 for them as well.
All applicants must provide a valid email address.
What should I do if my current financial situation is different from my income reported on my Federal 1040 form?
Please submit a letter detailing your total household income and you MUST include documentation that supports your change in household income (We still need the Federal 1040 but also include 4 most current paystubs, letter from your employer on company letterhead indicating the change in your income, unemployment determination letter, etc). You must also submit documentation that the applicant is the legal guardian of the students you are requesting aid for and household size (i.e. birth certificate, legal court documents).
WE CANNOT MAKE AN AWARD DECISION BASED ON ANY TAX YEAR RETURN that is not the 2021 return! If you submit the incorrect tax year return we WILL NOT CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION.
Who is eligible to apply for the SFIC scholarship?
Parents/Guardians of students in grades K-12 from low income families currently or planning to enroll in a private parochial school located in the Archdiocese of Newark within Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties are eligible to apply. For a complete list of schools, please visit catholicschoolsnj.org.
Once my on-line application is submitted, can I call the SFIC office to inquire about the status of my application?
No. All applications submitted will remain under review until final determinations are made. SFIC will not provide any other information before a finalized award decision has been announced. If your application is still considered incomplete you will continue to get emails advising you what is missing. You can email our office at schofund@rcan.org regarding questions about missing documents. All correspondence regarding your application decision will be emailed to you (we do not provide award status information by phone) before the end of July.
Will you notify me if my on-line application is incomplete or missing information?
Yes. SFIC will email you if you are missing any required documentation. Any information received after the deadline is considered past the deadline for consideration.
If my child is currently receiving a SFIC tuition assistance award, do I have to reapply for the following school year(s)?
Yes. Families must apply for the SFIC tuition assistance award EVERY YEAR, regardless of whether they are currently receiving or have been past recipients of an award. Families must also supply the most current financial documentation with their application every year. If you applied within the last year (whether you received an award or not) you will receive an email with a special link for you to access the application. Please email our office at schofund@rcan.org subject SFIC application to make sure the email on file is the correct one. Do not use the link on the website for new applicants as it will delay the process and may cause you to lose the aid you are receiving now.
What are the requirements needed to be considered for your tuition assistance award?
Eligibility is based upon the total family household income. Our income eligibility is based on 270% of the Federal Poverty Income eligibility guidelines . Your child must be enrolled or planning to attend a Private or Parochial school within the Archdiocese of Newark in grades Kindergarten to 12th and you must meet the financial requirements established by SFIC.
HH Size Income (AGI)
WE DO NOT PROVIDE TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR PRE-K PROGRAMS!
Do I have to be living in the same town as the school my child attends to be eligible to apply?
No. You do not have to live in the same town as the school but the school must be located in Bergen, Essex, Hudson or Union counties.
Can I receive more than one tuition assistance award from The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children?
No. Only one award per student is permitted.
