Financial Aid

The FAFSA is changing for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond.  Click the links below to learn more about the upcoming changes.

https://www.salliemae.com/blog/fafsa-faqs/

https://www.salliemae.com/blog/costly-fafsa-mistakes/

https://www.salliemae.com/blog/tips-to-help-file-fafsa/ 

Still have questions about your particular financial situation or how to file a FAFSA?  Take these steps:

• Visit the FAFSA website at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

• Contact the Financial Aid department at your college or university

• Attend a financial aid workshop 

• Contact Mrs. Hammer for general FAFSA questions

Steps for Filing Your FAFSA

Who needs an FSA ID

• If both parents are married  and file jointly- then both parents should get an FSA ID (only one may need it)

• If both parents are married and file separately then both parents should get an FSA ID

• If parents are divorced and not remarried then only the parent contributing tax information to the FAFSA need an FSA ID 

  • the parent that contributes more than 50% to raising the child is considered the contributor

• If parents are divorced and remarried then both the parent and step-parent need an FSA ID (only one may need it)  

Steps To Create an FSA ID

Step 1 – Create a FSA ID (username and password) for both the student and parent

• The FSA ID allows you to electronically sign your FAFSA.

• The FSA ID is needed to log into the FAFSA website

• Go to https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm to create your FSA ID

• You will need a current valid email address to create your FSA ID

• All males age 18-25 must also register with the selective service before the FSA can be filed.  Go to www.sss.gov for more information.

• Your parent(s) could possibly already have a FSA ID if you have an older sibling in college.  If they already have a FSA ID they will not need to get a new one, they will use their existing FSA ID for you and your siblings FAFSA. 

• You must give at least 1-3 days to receive your FSA ID before you can start your FAFSA!

Step 2 – Gather the documents needed to file your FAFSA for both parent(s) and student

• Social Security number 

  • • • student will need their SSN and any parent's SSN that will be contributing information to the FAFSA

• Email address for student (not school email) and for any parent that will be contributing information to the FAFSA

• Driver’s License

• 2022 W-2 forms 

• 2022 Federal Income Tax Return

• All un-taxed income records which include Veterans benefits, child support, and worker’s compensation.

• Current savings/checking account statement

• Business, farm or investment records

Step 3 – Complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA on the web

• Check with your school of choice to find out their priority filing deadline.  Each school is different.

• Corrections or re-submissions must be completed before aid will be dispersed to the college of your choice. Make your corrections ASAP!

• Go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa and click on "Start Here"

• You can put up to 20 colleges or universities on the FAFSA 

A Few More Things to Know

**The FAFSA is absolutely free.  DO NOT pay to complete or pay someone else to help you complete the FAFSA. Make sure you are using the government (.gov) site and not the commercial (.com) site.**

*** If you are under 24 years of age and have no dependents (children) of your own, you will need to use your parent or parents' information on the FAFSA.  The exceptions to this rule are: emancipation, deceased parents(both), homeless, or in legal guardianship.***

****As always, if you need help, more information, or a computer to fill out your FAFSA contact Mrs. Diana Hammer and set up a time to come ****

More FSA ID Information

Go to https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch to create your unique username and password for filing the FAFSA.  Watch this short video for helping you create your FSA ID  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTb7hMVtzco

Lose or forget your FSA ID?  Watch this short video on how to retrieve this information  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIwnEbOXSGg

FSA ID Tips:

1.  Phone numbers, Social Security Numbers and emails can only be associated with one FSA ID.

2. Students - do not use your school email

3. Both parents/contributors should create an FSA ID

4. Each student filing a FAFSA needs an FSA ID

5. FSA ID should not be shared