Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. If you apply using FAFSA-on-the-Web, you will be able to link to your online TAP application at the end of the FAFSA session. First, you will be asked to establish a PIN (Personal Identification Number) for TAP. You will need this to apply later, keep track of your application information, or make changes, as needed. After establishing your PIN, you will be able to complete your TAP application online. Information from your FAFSA and your family's calculated NYS net taxable income will be pre-filled on your TAP-on-the-Web application. Follow the instructions provided.
If you don't apply for federal aid online, you can get a paper FAFSA from a high school guidance office, the local library, or your college’s financial aid office. Even if you use a paper FAFSA to apply for federal aid, you may still choose to complete your TAP application on the Web. Approximately 3 weeks after submitting your FAFSA, HESC will notify you by post card or e-mail, telling you that you can go to hesc.org, establish a PIN, and complete your TAP application online. Follow the online instructions for completing the TAP-on-the-Web application.
If you choose not to apply 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, change any incorrect items, complete any missing items, then SIGN AND MAIL THE FORM USING THE RETURN ENVELOPE.
If you have previously received TAP, and your information remains the same, you may only have to file a FAFSA to get an award.
If you provide an e-mail address on your FAFSA, HESC will use that address to contact you about your TAP application, give you processing updates, or award information. Please respond to any requests or instructions sent by HESC.
The TAP application deadline is May 1 of the academic year for which aid is sought.
Complete your online TAP application (A FAFSA must be completed before you can apply for TAP).