How to Apply for TAP

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APPLY FOR TAP

First, Apply Online for Federal Aid
The TAP application process begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). HESC will use the FAFSA as part of your online TAP application.
Start your online FAFSA by clicking on the quick link button below, Complete the FAFSA.

Next, Complete Your Online TAP Application
After completing your FAFSA, complete your online TAP application by linking to it directly from your FAFSA Confirmation Page, or by going to the quick link button, Apply for TAP, on the HESC Web site.
You will be prompted to get a HescPIN (Personal Identification Number). You will use your HescPIN to "sign" your TAP application, to keep track of your application information, or to make changes.
Once you have your HescPIN, complete your online TAP application. Information from your FAFSA and your family's calculated NYS net taxable income will be pre-filled on your online TAP application. Follow the instructions provided.

Paper FAFSA Instead of Online?
If you don't apply for federal aid online, you must get a paper FAFSA from the high school guidance office, the public library, or your college’s Financial Aid Office.
Even if you use a paper FAFSA, you can still do your TAP application online.
About 3 weeks after mailing your paper FAFSA, HESC will send you a postcard or e-mail prompting you to get a HescPIN and complete your TAP application online. Follow the online instructions.

Paper TAP Application Instead of Online?
If you don't apply for TAP online, HESC will mail you an Express TAP Application (ETA). Information from your FAFSA and your family’s calculated NYS net taxable income will be preprinted on your ETA. Review this information, make any necessary corrections, complete any missing items, and then sign and mail, using the return envelope.

When Will I Hear About the Status of my TAP Application?
You can click the Manage My Account quick link button to check the status of your TAP application online, at any time.
If you provide an e-mail address on your FAFSA, HESC can use it to tell you about your TAP application or award status, or to ask you for information we need to complete your application. Please be alert to HESC e-mails and respond to any requests or instructions.
If you do not provide an e-mail address and have an approved status, you will receive a postcard from HESC.
If you do not provide an e-mail address and have a denied status, you will receive a paper denial notification letter.

What About Applying for TAP in Subsequent Years?
If you received TAP the year before and your application information is unchanged, you may only have to file a Renewal FAFSA to get TAP in subsequent years.

TAP Application Deadline
The TAP application deadline is May 1 of the academic year for which aid is sought.