NY State TAP has two stages where eligibility is determined. The first is at the application level itself, when applying for TAP. This is the determination HESC makes about award eligibility and the award amount. The second is based on the applicability of coursework to the program of study, academic progress requirements and other criteria as established by law. Below is a list of reasons students lose their TAP award either at the first level or at the second level.
Change of Residency, Citizenship/DREAM Act Status Unconfirmed -First Level
The student(or your student’s parents if dependent) cease being a NYS resident.
U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident status was not confirmed with the college Registrar’s office or Admissions office (if it is your first semester) and the student is ineligible for the DREAM act.
FAFSA citizenship/eligible non-citizen status is not confirmed and the student is not DREAM act eligible. The student must submit proof of citizenship or permanent residency to the Financial Aid Office in addition to the Admissions or Registrar as appropriate.
HS Diploma or Equivalency or ATB Unconfirmed- First Level
High school diploma was earned outside the U.S. but did not take or pass the ATB test by the stated deadline.
HS Diploma or equivalent missing from Admissions records.
Academic Progress and Pursuit Reasons – Second Level
Failing Academic Progress and Pursuit (see the Understanding TAP guide for more details about academic progress requirements.)
Course Applicability to Program of Study – Electives, Double majors, Minors and Repeats -Second Level
Currently enrolled courses are not applicable to the program of study based on the applicable college bulletin. This can occur mid-semester as evaluation processes are ongoing.
Elective courses are only applicable to the program of study if they are required to meet the minimum number of credits necessary to complete the degree (usually this is 120 credits). Elective courses that, when combined with major requirements, pathways-general education (common core and flexible common core) and college option requirements, would cause the student to exceed 120 earned credits, are not TAP eligible courses.
A major was not declared prior to the major declaration deadline posted in the academic calendar and the student earned 60 credits or greater or transferred in to the college with 60 credits from another institution or early college program.
A change of major causes previously taken courses in the prior major to be considered electives and the current taking coursework has now become a “not needed” elective.
Courses taken in additional major(s) and/or minor(s), when combined with your primary major or general education/college option requirements, that will exceed the 120 credits needed to graduate are not TAP eligible. Those courses are considered not allowed elective credits and the elective credit rule above applies to a additional major(s) and/or minor(s).
Repeating a course that was already passed or when a student has received a grade that is passing at the institution but is unacceptable in a particular curriculum. TAP program requirements prohibit retaking a passed course in order to improve the grade unless there is a particular curriculum grade requirement or for additional credit if granted (e.g. certain seminar courses). Failed courses may be retaken.
Other Causes – First and Second Level
A new TAP application was not filed or processed by HESC for the new academic year.
A new TAP application was filed and processed by HESC for the new academic year but the student/student’s family now exceeds the income thresholds for an award.
Income verificaiton of NY State tax data performed by HESC changes the award amount or makes the student ineligible based on income.
Non-enrollment during the semester for which a TAP payment is sought.
As noted above – earned the amount of credits needed to graduate (typically 120) but have not graduated yet and will not graduate in that semester.
Poor academic planning led to taking coursework that was not applicable as described in detail above.
A submitted TAP appeal waiver was denied.