FAFSA 101
when does the FAFSA application open?
October 1st!
When is the deadline to submit a CASFA?
June 30th
What is EFC?
It has been over a month and the IRS has still not sent my parent’s tax transcript. My deadline to provide verification documentation is coming up very soon. Can I just submit a copy of the taxes my parents file?
No - the tax return transcript is different than the actual copy of the taxes.
yes if the institution allows it such as MSU denver
One reason why starting ASAP is important or pro-active ordering of tax transcript. During tax season it often takes longer, and people report it is more frustrating.
Whose taxes are needed to submit an application?
who completes a FAFSA?
Seniors, students w/ status, students with undocumented parents
Who completes a CASFA?
undocumented & daca students, and international students
What is FSA id?
A username & password combination you use to log in to U.S. Department of Ed online systems.
Student’s parent is unwilling to provide income information
Building trust over time is a good way to avoid this situation in the first place. The more you can build trust and relationships with parents in general, the fewer of these situations are likely to occur. Talking with parents about what to expect will lessen resistance. No one likes to be surprised by being asked for sensitive personal information by a stranger!
Try to schedule a meeting with the parent to discuss this. Let them know that you’ve been helping their student with their post high school plans, and you would like to talk with them about a few next steps. Even if you’re frustrated and irritated, start the conversation by sharing something positive about their student and their future plans. Ideally an in-person meeting is best, but a phone call works if that’s all that is possible.
Discuss the situation in the context of the student’s plans after high school and why FAFSA or CASFA is critical. Students cannot receive most financial aid without FAFSA or CASFA. Ask the parent to share what their concerns are about their student applying for financial aid.
Make it clear that applying for financial aid doesn’t obligate parents to pay for anything; it only determines what aid the student is eligible for. The student will later decide what to accept from what is offered by each school.
It’s not necessary to share income information with the student to complete the form. The parent can log in and provide this information without the student. However, the student will be able to view this information if they log in to their FAFSA or CASFA at a later time.
Information in financial aid applications is protected by federal law. It is shared only with the colleges the student chooses, the state financial aid agency and for FAFSA, the U.S. Department of Education.
what is a tax transcript?
a tax transcript is an IRS form that provides tax parent and or student tax information, you can order one through the IRS website!
What documents do you need in order to complete a fafsa?
taxes (parents & students), w2s, FSA ids, any legal documents (ids, attorney notices, financial docs etc)
Do parents need a FSA id?
trick question! no they will create an account while working with their student on CASFA application to include virtual signatures
Who is considered a parent?
legal parent or guardian, if parents are divorced we use the parent that the students lives with more than 50%
I already moved out of my parent’s home and support myself. Do I need to have my parents provide information for the FAFSA/CASFA?
Generally, yes. If you are under the age of 24 (per the FAFSA), are unmarried, not supporting dependent children of your own, not a veteran or active duty military, not a foster youth or a ward of the court, you are considered dependent for financial aid purpose and parents must provide their information on your FAFSA.
You can be considered an independent student if you can document being an unaccompanied or homeless youth. If you or your parent(s) are in a situation which makes it impossible for your parents to provide their information, contact the school's financial aid office for assistance.
When can a student be considered independent?
over the age of 24, if homeless, orphan, dangerous living situation- no contact with parents, married, has dependents
My parents are divorced/separated. Which parent's information should be on my FAFSA/CASFA?
Parent lived with most during the last 12 months.
What kind of financial aid can I receive by completing the CASFA?
CASFA is an application for state financial aid & state funded work study.
What is a PJ? and who completes one?
PJ is professional Judgement completed by the students institution
My parent has remarried, but my step-parent is refusing to help with my college costs. How do I complete the FAFSA/CASFA?
If you live with the step-parent and they were married before you filed, they need to provide information. Pre-marital or nuptial agreements DO NOT remove this obligation!
How can a student get a dependency override?
If the student is required to provide parent information, but cannot, the student should contact the financial aid administrator at the college they plan to attend to discuss
It is rare: Nationally, approximately 2% of undergraduate students become independent through such dependency overrides:
Financial aid office has discretion, but strict guidelines
Must have supporting statements to be considered
For details about eligible circumstances and ways to support, see Part 2 of the Counselors and Mentors Handbook on Federal Student Aid (in general, these same rules apply for WASFA).
Unless there is a dependency override, dependent students are only eligible for unsubsidized loans without parent information on the FAFSA/WASFA. Still must get a supporting letter or have parent sign a form they refuse.
all zeros never an ITIN!
Do male identifying students complete the selective service registration?
Males between 18 & 25 must register for selective service to receive financial aid, CASFA will ask whether you have registered and your school may verify registration. Students without a social must complete the paper version of the selective service registration form and mail it.
What is your state of legal residence?
What is your state of legal residence?
This is question 18 on the paper Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.
The state of legal residence is where you reside and have a true, fixed, and permanent home.
Select your current state or country of legal residence. Select “Foreign Country” if your legal residence is in a foreign country.
If you moved into a state for the sole purpose of attending a school, don’t count that state as your state of legal residence.
Each state determines legal residency differently. You should contact your college or career school’s financial aid office for assistance with state of legal residence qualifications.
My parents are in Thailand and I live with my brother and a family friend. I’ve been in CO since 9th grade. Do I need parent information? Can I file FAFSA or CASFA?
Parent information will probably be required, unless they can show they are independent or is a dependency override situation. Documents will need to be translated.
What is the McKinney Vinto act?
Determine if the student may qualify as homeless or at risk of homelessness. Become familiar with the McKinney Vinto Act http://www.k12.wa.us/HomelessEd/default.aspx , which protects homeless students and those at risk of becoming homeless. Get to know your school or district’s McKinney Vinto liaison as they can help with determining if the student meets the criteria and provide documentation.