HESC Award Processing and Survey Updates

Dear Colleagues,

Below are several important updates related to award processing for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 academic years.

Final Reminder: 2023-24 Academic Year Closeout
This is our final reminder to schools that we are ceasing all 2023-24 academic year award processing on Friday, May 30. Closeout activities will begin the week of June 2, during which HESC will decertify any unprocessed certifications and unresolved certification errors for the 2023-24 academic year. Please refer to the closeout bulletins issued in January and March for more details.

2024-25 TAP Award Adjustments: Family Member Enrollment Verification
Under § 663(5) of the New York State Education Law, TAP applicants may qualify for an income adjustment if they have family members enrolled as full-time college students during the same academic year. HESC verifies these claims through several methods, including data from the National Clearinghouse.

The verification for the 2024-25 academic year will conclude this week. If HESC is unable to confirm a family member’s full-time college enrollment, the applicant will lose the associated income adjustment. Depending on the applicant’s income, the loss of income adjustment may result in a reduction of the TAP award or a total loss of eligibility.

TAP award changes related to failed family member enrollment verification will be reflected on the 2024-25 Remittance Advice, scheduled for release this Friday, May 16.

Students may appeal the reduction of their 2024-25 TAP award by providing documentation confirming their family member’s full-time enrollment during the 2024-25 academic year. Acceptable documentation includes an official transcript or a letter from their Registrar confirming enrollment. Documents may be uploaded to us by the applicant using our student document upload portal.

Deadline Extended: 2025-26 College Data Survey
The deadline to submit the 2025-26 College Data Survey has been extended to July 12. This extension is to provide schools with additional time to update their academic term and tuition rate information.

For more details on how to complete the survey, please refer to our January bulletin and College Data Survey Instructions.

If you have any questions about the information above, please contact our Priority Services team at [email protected].

Regards,

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation