FAFSA
FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA can be completed online at FAFSA on the Web. You need to complete the FAFSA if you want federal student aid.
FAFSA on the Web (FOTW) has lots of handy FAFSA help and even a worksheet you can complete before filing your real FAFSA. Definitely complete the FAFSA worksheet so you know what to expect when you submit your FAFSA application online. It will save you time with the FAFSA and it will help you avoid the frustration of not having all of your FAFSA information.
Here is what you need to complete the FAFSA (for 2008-2009 you will need 2007 financial information):
- Your social security number - double check to ensure it is correct
- Your driver’s license if you have one
- Your 2007 W-2 form(s) and any other records of money you earned
- Your 2007 Federal Income Tax Return (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, Foreign Tax Return or Tax Return for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federal States of Micronesia or Palua)
- Your parents’ 2007 Federal Income Tax Return (if you are a dependent student)
- Your 2007 untaxed income records (Social Security, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Welfare, Veterans benefits records)
- Your current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond and other investment records
- Your alien registration or permanent resident card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
A PIN is not required to submit a FAFSA, but using a PIN is the fastest way to sign your application and the process of obtaining a PIN is easy. Just go to The PIN Site.
The FAFSA may seem daunting, but with the above, you should have no trouble completing it. Complete the FAFSA even if you don’t think you will qualify for aid. Even if you do not qualify, the FAFSA is also your application for federal student loans and at the very least you will qualify for an Unsubsidized Stafford loan.
See Applying for Aid for more information.