FAFSA (Federal Financial Aid)
FAFSA Contact Numbers:
Recent News:
http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/recentChangesSA.jsp
- Main Website: https://fafsa.ed.gov/
- Call: 1‑800‑4‑FED‑AID (1‑800‑433‑3243) or 319‑337‑5665
- Live Online Help: https://fafsalivehelp01.ed.gov/FSAICWebAPI-EN/Chat/HtmlChatFrameSet.jsp?sourceApp=fotw
- Email: [email protected]
- Browse Help: https://fafsa.ed.gov/help.htm
Recent News:
http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/recentChangesSA.jsp
Homeschooling and FAFSA
Many colleges and universities have the misconception that homeschooled students need to pass the GED exam in order to qualify for federal financial aid for college (FAFSA). This issue (the requirement that as of July 1, 2012 homeschoolers will not be eligible for federal financial aid unless they have a GED) is a complete misunderstanding of Congress’ recent actions. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) sent the letter, below, to the US DOE. Please feel free to forward it widely, as it explains how this is completely wrong. Additionally, the US DOE has put information out on their web page making it clear that homeschoolers are fully eligible for federal financial aid without the need to have a GED; note the bolded first paragraph: http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/recentChangesSA.jsp
Also, see: http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/2012/201203010.asp
Many colleges and universities have the misconception that homeschooled students need to pass the GED exam in order to qualify for federal financial aid for college (FAFSA). This issue (the requirement that as of July 1, 2012 homeschoolers will not be eligible for federal financial aid unless they have a GED) is a complete misunderstanding of Congress’ recent actions. The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) sent the letter, below, to the US DOE. Please feel free to forward it widely, as it explains how this is completely wrong. Additionally, the US DOE has put information out on their web page making it clear that homeschoolers are fully eligible for federal financial aid without the need to have a GED; note the bolded first paragraph: http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/recentChangesSA.jsp
Also, see: http://www.hslda.org/docs/news/2012/201203010.asp
hslda_letter_to_secretary_duncan_re_homeschool_eligibility_for_fsa_2.27.2012.pdf | |
File Size: | 313 kb |
File Type: |
Prior to filling out the Fafsa you will need records of income earned in the year prior to when you will start school. You may also need records of your parents´ income information if you are a dependent student. For the 2009-2010 school year you will need financial information from 2008.
You will need the following documents:
1)Your Social Security Number. Be sure it is correct!
2)Your 2008 W-2 Forms and other records of money earned
3)Your (and your spouse´s, if you are married) 2008 Federal Income Tax Return.
5)Your 2008 untaxed income records
7)Your current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond and other investment records
8)Your alien registration or permanent resident card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
Tips For Getting Aid Without Delay!
Financial aid administrators and guidance counselors from around the country agree that the following tips speed up the application process.
Important: Read the instructions!
Many questions on the FAFSA are straightforward, like your Social Security Number. But many questions are asked specifically for purposes of student financial aid. Common words like "household," "investments," and even "parent" may have special meaning. Read all instructions carefully.
Apply Early!
State and school deadlines will vary and tend to be early. Check with them to find out their exact deadline dates.
Federal Student Aid will process your FAFSA if it is received on or before the deadline. However, in order for you to actually receive aid, your school must have correct, complete FAFSA information before your last day of enrollment.
Complete Your Tax Return!
We recommend that you (and your parents if you are a dependent student) complete your tax return before filling out your FAFSA. This will make completing the FAFSA easier. If you have not filed your tax return yet, you can still submit your FAFSA but you must provide correct income and tax data once you have filed.
Save Time: File Electronically!
Complete and submit your FAFSA online. It is the fastest and most accurate way to apply for student aid.
Ask: Do I Need Additional Forms?
Many schools and states rely on the FAFSA as the single application for student aid. However, it would be wise to check with your state agency and the financial aid office at the school that you plan to attend to find out if they require additional forms.
Why fill out a FAFSA?
The (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), or FAFSA, is the first step in the financial aid process. Use it to apply for federal student financial aid, such as the Pell Grant, student loans, and college work-study. In addition, most states and schools use FAFSA information to award their financial aid. For instructions on how to complete the FAFSA, select Completing the FAFSA.
Why all the questions?
We enter your FAFSA responses into a formula (known as the Federal Methodology), which is regulated by the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. The result is your Expected Family Contribution, or EFC. The EFC is a preliminary estimate that measures your family´s financial strength. It is subtracted from the Cost of Attendance at the school(s) you plan to attend to determine your eligibility for federal student aid.
How do I find out what my EFC is?
We will send you a report, called a Student Aid Report (SAR) by e-mail or by postal mail depending on the addresses that we have on file for you. The SAR lists the information you reported on your FAFSA. At the upper right of the front page of the SAR, you´ll find a figure called the EFC.
How much aid do I get?
Schools use your EFC to prepare a financial aid package (grants, loans, and/or work-study) to help you meet your financial need. Financial need is the difference between your EFC and your school´s cost of attendance (which can include living expenses).
TIP: If you or your family have unusual circumstances that impact your financial situation, contact your school´s financial aid office. Some examples include: unusual medical expenses, or a large change in income from last year to this year.
When do I get the aid?
Your financial aid will be paid to you through your school. Typically, your school will first use the aid to pay tuition, fees, and room and board (if provided by the school). Any remaining aid is given to you for your other expenses.
Where can I get more information about student aid?
The financial aid office at the school you plan to attend is the best place to get information about federal, state, school and other sources of student financial aid.
You can also check out these resources:
Information about other nonfederal assistance may be available from foundations, religious organizations, community organizations, and civic groups, as well as organizations related to your field of interest, such as the American Medical Association or American Bar Association. Check with your parents’ employers or unions to see if they award scholarships or have tuition payment plans.
More on FAFSA
Your completed application includes the following documents. Retain copies of everything you submit for your records:
1. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – file electronically
2. CSS Financial Aid PROFILE – file electronically
3. Income documentation – mail to the College Board’s Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC)
a) IDOC Cover Sheet
b) A signed copy of all parents'/stepparents’ 2011 federal tax return(s), with all schedules
c) Copies of all parents’/stepparents’ 2011 W-2 forms, from all employers
d) A signed copy of student’s 2011 federal tax return OR 2011 Non-Tax Filer’s Statement
e) Copies of student’s 2011 W-2 forms from all employers, including Williams College
f) 2012-2013 Verification Worksheet
1. The Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) is completed electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. We urge you to use the IRS data retrieval process to bring actual income tax figures taken from completed 2011 federal tax returns into the FAFSA to minimize the need for later corrections. IRS data retrieval will be available approximately 2 weeks after the electronic submission of 2011 tax returns to the IRS; if the IRS data retrieval is not possible for your initial submission of the FAFSA, you can use it to correct your data once actual taxes have been submitted to the IRS. Complete all sections of the FAFSA and indicate your college choices in the school listing. Each college has its own federal school code.
State Scholarships: Students who reside in the following states are REQUIRED to apply to their state scholarship program. In order to apply, complete the entire FAFSA and indicate that both you and your parent(s) are residents of your state:
Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island – Must be submitted before March 1st
Vermont – In addition, you must complete the Vermont Grant Application 2012-2013, which is sent to
your home address and available online at www.vsac.org. Those who have not received this form should contact VSAC directly at (802) 654-3750 or 1-800-882-4166.
You will need the following documents:
1)Your Social Security Number. Be sure it is correct!
2)Your 2008 W-2 Forms and other records of money earned
3)Your (and your spouse´s, if you are married) 2008 Federal Income Tax Return.
- IRS 1040, 1040A, 1040 EZ
- Foreign Tax Return, or
- Tax Return for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federal States of Micronesia, or Palau
5)Your 2008 untaxed income records
- Veterans benefits records
- Child support received
- Worker's compensation
7)Your current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond and other investment records
8)Your alien registration or permanent resident card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
Tips For Getting Aid Without Delay!
Financial aid administrators and guidance counselors from around the country agree that the following tips speed up the application process.
Important: Read the instructions!
Many questions on the FAFSA are straightforward, like your Social Security Number. But many questions are asked specifically for purposes of student financial aid. Common words like "household," "investments," and even "parent" may have special meaning. Read all instructions carefully.
Apply Early!
State and school deadlines will vary and tend to be early. Check with them to find out their exact deadline dates.
Federal Student Aid will process your FAFSA if it is received on or before the deadline. However, in order for you to actually receive aid, your school must have correct, complete FAFSA information before your last day of enrollment.
Complete Your Tax Return!
We recommend that you (and your parents if you are a dependent student) complete your tax return before filling out your FAFSA. This will make completing the FAFSA easier. If you have not filed your tax return yet, you can still submit your FAFSA but you must provide correct income and tax data once you have filed.
Save Time: File Electronically!
Complete and submit your FAFSA online. It is the fastest and most accurate way to apply for student aid.
Ask: Do I Need Additional Forms?
Many schools and states rely on the FAFSA as the single application for student aid. However, it would be wise to check with your state agency and the financial aid office at the school that you plan to attend to find out if they require additional forms.
Why fill out a FAFSA?
The (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), or FAFSA, is the first step in the financial aid process. Use it to apply for federal student financial aid, such as the Pell Grant, student loans, and college work-study. In addition, most states and schools use FAFSA information to award their financial aid. For instructions on how to complete the FAFSA, select Completing the FAFSA.
Why all the questions?
We enter your FAFSA responses into a formula (known as the Federal Methodology), which is regulated by the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. The result is your Expected Family Contribution, or EFC. The EFC is a preliminary estimate that measures your family´s financial strength. It is subtracted from the Cost of Attendance at the school(s) you plan to attend to determine your eligibility for federal student aid.
How do I find out what my EFC is?
We will send you a report, called a Student Aid Report (SAR) by e-mail or by postal mail depending on the addresses that we have on file for you. The SAR lists the information you reported on your FAFSA. At the upper right of the front page of the SAR, you´ll find a figure called the EFC.
How much aid do I get?
Schools use your EFC to prepare a financial aid package (grants, loans, and/or work-study) to help you meet your financial need. Financial need is the difference between your EFC and your school´s cost of attendance (which can include living expenses).
TIP: If you or your family have unusual circumstances that impact your financial situation, contact your school´s financial aid office. Some examples include: unusual medical expenses, or a large change in income from last year to this year.
When do I get the aid?
Your financial aid will be paid to you through your school. Typically, your school will first use the aid to pay tuition, fees, and room and board (if provided by the school). Any remaining aid is given to you for your other expenses.
Where can I get more information about student aid?
The financial aid office at the school you plan to attend is the best place to get information about federal, state, school and other sources of student financial aid.
You can also check out these resources:
- www.studentaid.ed.gov
- www.students.gov
- Your high school counselor´s office
- Your local library
Information about other nonfederal assistance may be available from foundations, religious organizations, community organizations, and civic groups, as well as organizations related to your field of interest, such as the American Medical Association or American Bar Association. Check with your parents’ employers or unions to see if they award scholarships or have tuition payment plans.
More on FAFSA
Your completed application includes the following documents. Retain copies of everything you submit for your records:
1. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – file electronically
2. CSS Financial Aid PROFILE – file electronically
3. Income documentation – mail to the College Board’s Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC)
a) IDOC Cover Sheet
b) A signed copy of all parents'/stepparents’ 2011 federal tax return(s), with all schedules
c) Copies of all parents’/stepparents’ 2011 W-2 forms, from all employers
d) A signed copy of student’s 2011 federal tax return OR 2011 Non-Tax Filer’s Statement
e) Copies of student’s 2011 W-2 forms from all employers, including Williams College
f) 2012-2013 Verification Worksheet
1. The Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) is completed electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. We urge you to use the IRS data retrieval process to bring actual income tax figures taken from completed 2011 federal tax returns into the FAFSA to minimize the need for later corrections. IRS data retrieval will be available approximately 2 weeks after the electronic submission of 2011 tax returns to the IRS; if the IRS data retrieval is not possible for your initial submission of the FAFSA, you can use it to correct your data once actual taxes have been submitted to the IRS. Complete all sections of the FAFSA and indicate your college choices in the school listing. Each college has its own federal school code.
State Scholarships: Students who reside in the following states are REQUIRED to apply to their state scholarship program. In order to apply, complete the entire FAFSA and indicate that both you and your parent(s) are residents of your state:
Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island – Must be submitted before March 1st
Vermont – In addition, you must complete the Vermont Grant Application 2012-2013, which is sent to
your home address and available online at www.vsac.org. Those who have not received this form should contact VSAC directly at (802) 654-3750 or 1-800-882-4166.