Federal Student Aid (FSA) and #FAFSA
Every college bound student should be filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This information is used for scholarships, grants and loans. The earlier you do this in January, the better – even if parents have to estimate their federal income tax.
Completing the financial aid information in 3 easy steps:
- 1. Apply for a Federal Student Aid ID number now! Both students and parents need to do this (it may take up to a week to receive your ID).
- 2. Read about the FAFSA process here.
- 3. Complete the FAFSA starting on January 1, but do so in January.
Students and parents will each need to gather these documents in preparation for the FAFSA:
- Your Social Security number
- Your Alien Registration number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
- Your 2015 federal income tax returns, W-2s, and/or other records of money earned*
- Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
- Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
- An FSA ID to sign electronically
Here are other useful links about federal financial aid:
- FAFSA Homepage – https://fafsa.ed.gov/
- FAFSA Login Page – where to go to start your FAFSA – https://fafsa.ed.gov/FAFSA/app/fafsa?locale=en_US
- College School Code Finder – https://fafsa.ed.gov/FAFSA/app/schoolSearch?locale=en_EN
- Why it is important to file your FAFSA as early as possible – https://www.edvisors.com/fafsa/secrets/file-asap/
- What if your tax returns for 2015 are not yet complete? Should we still file as close to January 1 as possible? The answer is YES! – http://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/how-do-i-file-the-fafsa-in-january-when-tax-returns-can-t-be-filed-that-early
- FAFSA Deadlines – https://fafsa.ed.gov/deadlines.htm
Twitter Hashtag: #FAFSA * US Department of Education Twitter Handle: @FAFSA
