Frequently Asked Questions regarding FAFSA
What is the FAFSA?
You can find out what the FAFSA is and what it is used for at What is the FAFSA and Why should I Complete It?
If I already have an existing FSA ID from completing the FAFSA with my older child, can I use that same login for my current senior in high school
Yes! In fact, you will not be able to create another FSA ID due to your original account being linked to your Social Security number. If you forget your FSA ID username or password, look for the “Forgot My Username” and “Forgot My Password” links on log-in pages. These links will direct you to web pages where you can request a secure code to be texted to your verified mobile phone number or emailed to your verified email address. The secure code will allow you to retrieve your username or reset your password. You can also retrieve your username or reset your password by successfully answering your challenge questions. If you are unable to successfully answer your challenge questions, you will have to call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-433-3243.
What year of income tax information do I use to complete the FAFSA?
You will use prior, prior year income tax information of the current FAFSA.
Why do I have to provide consent and approval on the FAFSA?
You can find out why you should provide consent and approval at Consent and Approval for the FAFSA
How do I know if a student is dependent or independent?
You can find out what dependency status is at Dependency Status | Federal Student Aid.
What does an independent student need to complete the FAFSA?
You can find how to complete the FAFSA as an independent student at Independent Student | Federal Student Aid.
What happens if according to the FAFSA a student is dependent, but cannot provide parental information?
If you have unusual circumstances that are preventing you from providing parental information, you maybe be eligible to skip any questions about your parents, submit your FAFSA form as an independent student, and receive a provisional SAI. However, you must meet the unusual circumstances listed at Unusual Circumstances for Provisional Independent Students
How can unaccompanied, homeless youth complete the FAFSA?
You can find the FAFSA qualification for unaccompanied homeless youth at FAFSA Tips for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth.
Whose information should I use on the FAFSA?
If student’s biological/adoptive parents are married to each other, use both parent’s information even if they filed taxes separately. If the student’s parents are divorced or separated, you will use the information of the parent who provided the most financial support over the past 12 months. If the student does not receive financial support from either parent, identify the parent that provided the most financial support most recently and use the information of that parent. *If the parent identified in the above situations is remarried as of today, their current spouse must also provide their financial information. Regardless of how they file their taxes. *
Who should I invite as a contributor on my FAFSA?
We have created a flowchart to help you identify who to invite as a contributor on the FAFSA. You can access it at Who is A Contributor on your FAFSA?
What does it mean to qualify for Direct Unsubsidized Loans only?
You can find out more about more about the Direct Unsubsidized Loans question on the FAFSA at Direct Unsubsidized Loans Only Question
Why isn’t my contributor receiving the invite to do their section?
The PII or Personal Identifiable Information that is entered in the invite must match what is listed on the FSA ID. If the contributor doesn’t receive an email, they should log into their FSA ID account and see if the invitation is listed under My Activity on their dashboard. If contributor is still having not receiving the invite, they can check the FAFSA Known Issues page found here Current FAFSA Issues to see if this issue is listed and if there is a work around listed.
What is a SAI?
SAI stands for Student Aid Index, and it replaced what was previously known as Expected Family Contribution or EFC. You can learn more about SAI at What is SAI?
How do I know if my FAFSA has been processed?
You can find out more about the different statuses on the FAFSA and what they mean at FAFSA Statuses
How do I make a correction to my FAFSA?
You can find out more about how to make a correction at FAFSA Corrections for the FAFSA
What is the FAFSA Submission Summary and how do I access it?
You can learn more about the FAFSA Submission Summary at Navigating the FAFSA Submission Summary
Can I change contributors on my FAFSA, if so, how?
Yes, you can change/update contributors on the FAFSA. You would do so by logging either the student or parent’s section of the FAFSA. You will navigate to the FAFSA Submission Summary and under FAFSA form answers you will select make a correction. From there you will select the “Update Information” button. Changing contact information for the contributor will reset the contributor section of the FAFSA form. This will require the contributor to reenter their information.
I am unable to make a correction to my FAFSA, why?
There are a few known issues going on currently with making corrections to FAFSA. Visit Current FAFSA Issues to browse the current known issues with the FAFSA and see if your issue is listed and if there is a work around listed. If not, just know that FSA is aware and are working to get the issue resolved.
What if the parent cannot come to the FAFSA appointment?
With the new role-based experience, parents can do their own section on their own time. The parents will need either their own FSA ID to log into studentaid.gov to complete their section or click from the email request they receive from the student.
What information do the students need to have during the FAFSA appointment?
Their FSA ID (username & password), IRS Form 1040 (if they filed), access to their email and cell phone for verification codes, and the legal name/SSN/email of their contributors. For a list of information or document you may need to fill out the FAFSA form, visit FAFSA Filling Out the FAFSA Form | Federal Student Aid.
Can someone other than a parent attend the FAFSA appointment with a student?
For dependent students, only a biological or adoptive parent’s information can be used on the FAFSA with the student. The FAFSA role-based experience allows contributor(s) to complete their section of the form at a different time and location than the student. But remember, the form is not complete and submitted to the colleges until all contributor(s) have submitted.
Can the parent attend the FAFSA appointment instead of the student?
If the student cannot attend the FAFSA appointment, the student must be available via Zoom during the appointment. However, the new FAFSA experience will allow students to complete their section later.
