Assembly Bill (AB) 205, known as the California Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act of 2003 (Act), was enacted on September 22, 2003 and becomes effective on January 1, 2005. The Act extends new rights, benefits and obligations to individuals in California Registered Domestic Partnerships. The provisions of the Act apply to state and institutional financial aid only, not to federal aid.

Effective January 1, 2005, the Act extends the rights and duties of spouses to couples registered as domestic partners with the California Secretary of State (“Registered Domestic Partners”). Additional questions on Registered Domestic Partnerships can be answered on the Secretary of State’s website.

The California Student Aid Commission (Commission) will administer the Cal Grant program in a manner that ensures students who are in Registered Domestic Partnerships are treated the same as married students in determining their eligibility for Cal Grant. In addition, a student whose parent is in a Registered Domestic Partnerships will be treated the same as a student with married parents.

If you or your parent(s) are in a Registered Domestic Partnership at the time you file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and you are a new Cal Grant recipient, you should contact the Commission to ensure compliance under this act. You will be mailed a Cal Grant Registered Domestic Partner Reporting Form to complete. You should also notify the school you plan to attend regarding your eligibility under this act for aid on their campus. You can also print a copy of the form by clicking on the link below.

• G-37: Cal Grant Registered Domestic Partner Reporting Form (is currently unavailable, please check back again)