#106 – On this episode, Jankel and I present the six steps that are necessary to apply for and receive financial aid.
We highlight the details of the first two, including, the information that will be necessary to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and how to complete the form.
During our conversation, we also discuss ways to avoid mistakes that students and parents can make, which can slow down the process of securing aid.
Jankel talks about what to do if your family’s financial situation changes after submitting the FAFSA.
These steps are very important as they may lead to a change in the amount of financial aid you receive, one that more accurately reflects your current financial situation.
We also talk about different family structures and how students can find out which parent’s financial information they are supposed to use on the FAFSA. In some cases, the answer may not be as straight forward as it might first appear.
Links and resources we mentioned on this episode:
From Federal Student Aid – An Office of the U.S. Department of Education:
The Financial Aid Application Process
Filling Out the FAFSA Form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
(Graphic) The FAFSA Process – Walks you through the process of preparing for, completing, and submitting a FAFSA form. Includes information on what happens after the form is submitted
Information on College Preparation and the Federal Student Aid Programs – FAFSA Resources, Including Worksheets, Booklets, Brochures, Loan Information, Webinars, and Videos (English & Spanish)
FAFSA Help Page – Where You Can View Trending FAFSA Topics, Browse FAQs, and Search for More Information
What If I Forgot my FSA ID Username and Password?
How to Fill Out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (Video)
Log in to Apply for Financial Aid Online
To Complete the FAFSA as a PDF (note: you must print out and mail the FAFSA PDF for processing)
Request a print-out of the FAFSA PDF by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243); then fill out the form and mail it for processing
FAFSA Deadlines (Federal and State)
To Search for the Federal School Code for the Schools to Which You Will Be Applying
To Find Out Whether You Are a Dependent Student
Reporting Parent Information on the FAFSA
Who Is My Parent When I Fill Out the FAFSA Form?
(Graphic) Simple Steps to Transfer Tax Information into Your FAFSA Form – Explains How to Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to Transfer Tax Information into the FAFSA Form
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