Sub/Unsubsidized Stafford Loan question?

If a person is "awarded" money through these programs, does the person still need to acutally apply to get them, or does a person just get them. In the award letter, it also says there is an "award" for the PLUS loan, but after applying for that, we were denied it. So, I guess my question is just because the award letter says there is an award from the Sub/Unsub. Stafford Loan, does that mean we WILL BE GETTING IT, or if we QUALIFY we will get it?