Create an FSA ID Website:  https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

Before begin filling out the FAFSA, you (the student) must create a FSA ID. Additionally, one of your parents will also need to create a FSA ID. Parents without a SSN will select that they do not have a SSN and then create an account. Do not enter your ITIN as your SSN.

Note: If you have an older sibling that completed the FAFSA application then your parent has most likely already created an FSA ID and will not need to create one. They will need to use their original FSA ID information as it is associated with their Social Security Number. If your parent does not remember their information they will need to call 1-800-433-3243 and have a representative assist them in recovering their account information. If your parent does not have a social security number they will not create an FSA ID.

You might need the following information or documents as you fill out the 2024–25 FAFSA form:

• Your parents’ SSNs if you’re a dependent student

• 2022 Tax returns

• Records of child support received

• Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts

• Net worth of investments, businesses, and farm

1. Review the FAFSA Form

2. Complete the Personal Circumstance Section

   • Student Identity Questions

   • Dependency Questions

     • Select No, on the Apply for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan Only Question otherwise you will not qualify for federal aid

   • Enter contributors (parents) information

     • Name, Date of Birth, SSN or select parent doesn't have one, and email address

3. Complete the Student Demographic Section

   • Student Race and Ethnicity Questions

   • Student Citizenship Question

   • Parent Education Question

   • High School Information

4. Complete the Student Financial Section

   • 2022 Tax Return Information

   • Student Assets

5. Complete the College Section

   • Select up to 20 schools that should receive your information

     • Include all the school you applied to and plan on applying to

6. Complete the Signature Page

   • Review your responses and provide your electronic signature

   • The student should sign before the contributor

1. Create an FSA ID, if you have not created one previously

• https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

2. Contributor will need to provide consent

• Contributors need to provide consent otherwise the student can not be considered for aid

3. Contributor Demographic Section

• Parents marital status

4. Contributor Finance Section

• Federal Programs

  • Free and Reduced Price School Lunch only applies to families that meet the USDA Eligibility Guidelines

• Family Size

• Number of students in college

• 2022 tax return additional information

  • IRA Rollover Info

  • Pension Rollover Info

  • Foreign Earned Income Exclusion

  • Earned Income Tax Credit

  • Parent Grants and Scholarships 

• Parent Assets Section

  • Child Support Received

  • Current Total of Cash, Saving and Checking Accounts

  • Current Net Worth of Investments, including Real Estate

  • Current Net Worth Businesses and Investment Farms

5. Contributor Signature Section

• Review your responses and provide your electronic signature

• The last person (contributor) will receive the congratulations page and will send an email to the student

• When you submit your completed 2024–25 FAFSA form, you’ll get an email confirming that they received your form with preliminary information related to your eligibility for federal student aid. This will include your estimated Student Aid Index (SAI) and estimated eligibility for Federal Pell Grants.

• They’ll provide your FAFSA eligibility information to your school(s) and state in the first half of March. Once your school(s) receive your FAFSA information, they will provide you with personalized aid information in the coming weeks. Until your school(s) and state receive your form, they won’t be able to answer questions about your aid eligibility or status.

• They’ll send you an email when your FAFSA information has been sent to your selected schools and when you can access your FAFSA Submission Summary on StudentAid.gov. The FAFSA Submission Summary will provide your official SAI calculation and Federal Pell Grant eligibility. You can also check the status of your FAFSA form on StudentAid.gov in the first half of March.

• Because many states have made changes to their aid processes for the 2024–25 award year, please review your state’s aid eligibility and deadline information.

• Students that are eligible for a Cal Grant must create a Web Grant account and complete the necessary steps, https://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov/