FAFSA APPLICATION
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
The FAFSA Application must be completed each school year. School years run from July 1st to June 30th and the FAFSA application is available from January 1st
The application must be filled if you want any type of financial aid from the federal government. The FAFSA will not be sent to the school that you want to attend unless it is complete and signed.
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be a bit daunting. The following hints should help you through the process.
Why do I need to fill out a FAFSA?
The FAFSA is the first step in the financial aid process. It is used to apply for federal financial aid, such as student loans, grants and work-study. Even if you don’t think you are eligible for financial aid, you should still fill it out because schools also use it to award non-federal aid.
Paper or online?
There are 2 ways to lodge the FAFSA. You can do it online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or you can submit a paper copy. Most financial aid administrators prefer the online method because it cuts the processing time in 1/2. However, if you do submit a paper copy, just make sure you have copies of the original application.
When is it due?
March 1st, 2006 – Students who meet appropriate deadlines will be given 1st consideration for aid. After these dates, college and university-administered aid will be awarded based on whatever funds available.
What documents do I need to fill out the FAFSA?
Social Security card and Student’s driver’s license
Income tax returns or as close an estimate a possible
W-two forms and other records of money earned
Current bank statements
Records and documentation of any other untaxed income received such as welfare benefits, Social Security income, AFDC, veteran’s benefits, or military or clergy allowances
Records of stocks, mutual funds, bonds and other investments
How can I avoid making mistakes?
Do not leave any fields blank. If a question does not apply to you, write N/A.
Use the 1040 federal tax return, not the W-two form, for reporting income and taxes paid. Don’t use nicknames. Use your legal name as it appears on your Social Security card. Don’t forget to sign the application. Your parents must sign it too if you are filing as a dependent.
What’s the next step?
You should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) approximately 3 to 4 weeks after you submit your FAFSA. This report will state your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), restate what you put on the FAFSA, and give you the opportunity to correct wrong information.
If you are unclear about a question or are having trouble filling out the FAFSA, please contact the United States Department of Education at 1-800-4-FED-AID.
