What You Need to Know About FAFSA

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s the form you fill out to get access to grants,

loans, and work-study programs to help pay for college.

– FAFSA opens in December (as of the 2024 update).

– Submit early for priority aid from states and schools.

– You must submit a new FAFSA each year you’re in college.

– FAFSA is always FREE – submit at studentaid.gov.

 

What You’ll Need to Have Ready:

– Your Social Security Number (SSN)

– Your parents’ SSNs (if you’re a dependent)

– Federal income tax returns, W-2s, and bank statements

– Records of untaxed income (child support, veteran benefits, etc.)

– Your FSA ID (create at studentaid.gov)

– A list of colleges you’re applying to (up to 20)

 

Common FAFSA Questions

Q: What if my parents are divorced?

A: You’ll report the income of the parent you lived with most in the past 12 months. If time is split evenly,

report the parent who provided the most financial support.

Q: How do I file as an independent if I have little or no income and no help from my parents?

A: You must meet specific criteria to be considered independent (e.g., age 24+, married, a veteran,

supporting a child, or in legal guardianship). If none of these apply, you’ll need to file as a dependent.

However, you can speak with a college’s financial aid office and request a ‘dependency override’ if you have

special circumstances (e.g., estrangement, abuse, abandonment).

Q: What if I don’t have access to my parents’ financial info?

A: Fill out as much of the FAFSA as you can and contact the financial aid office of each college. They can

FAFSA Checklist & FAQ

guide you through next steps and possibly offer a dependency override.

Q: Do I have to accept all the aid I’m offered?

A: No. You can choose to accept grants and decline loans. You have control over what you accept.

Q: Can I list more than one college on my FAFSA?

A: Yes – you can list up to 20 colleges.