How to File a FAFSA
Prepare your documents., Go to the FAFSA Website., Enter your details., Complete the Benefits and Information page., Provide your education information., Fill out the tax and parental information., Sign and submit your FAFSA., Follow up with your...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Prepare your documents.
You'll need computer access, your parents tax returns for the previous year, your social security card, and your driver's license. -
Step 2: Go to the FAFSA Website.
You must create your own account. , Quickly fill in the information with your first name, last name, social security number, and birthday.
Then you will need to set up a four digit pin; you will need it to log in later, so keep it safe and secure, and don't forget it. , This portion takes the longest to complete.
You will need to fill in your marital status, citizenship, and gender.
It will also ask if you have a bridge card, medicaid, TANSF, or government assistance.
Once you have checked the corresponding boxes, make sure you go back and check them for accuracy.
If you're unsure of your answers for any of the items they ask you about, ask your parents or check your records, rather than guessing.
Answering incorrectly or incompletely may affect the aid you're awarded. , For the education portion it is just asking where you went to school, and if your received a diploma.
Shortly after, it will take you to the college link page.
This page will allow you to access and provide your college code.
Providing this school code (a number) allows the government to follow up with your school to check your application accuracy and provide the aid that you qualify for.
The last part of this page will ask you whether you will be in a dorm, or living with your parents.
Pick the correct option for each school.
After this step is done, you will now fill out tax information. br>
The form will ask you about your tax/income records, as well as your parents'
for the previous year.
The IRS link tool allows you to access this information through IRS records.
This website will auto-fill the information needed for the tax part of the financial aid application.
Once it fills the corresponding information on the tax worksheet, double check everything for accuracy.
After this step is done, hit the next button, which will ask more about your parents, including their social security numbers, household size, and marriage dates. , You will then hit the "I Agree" option.
This confirms that you've filled out the FAFSA accurately to the best of your knowledge.
After completion, you will receive a personal email from the FAFSA website that will tell you the application has been completed. , The financial aid department at your school will let you know if they need any more information from you.
It usually takes two weeks for the FAFSA to be processed.
Be patient, but follow up if you don't hear anything from them after that period. -
Step 3: Enter your details.
-
Step 4: Complete the Benefits and Information page.
-
Step 5: Provide your education information.
-
Step 6: Fill out the tax and parental information.
-
Step 7: Sign and submit your FAFSA.
-
Step 8: Follow up with your school.
Detailed Guide
You'll need computer access, your parents tax returns for the previous year, your social security card, and your driver's license.
You must create your own account. , Quickly fill in the information with your first name, last name, social security number, and birthday.
Then you will need to set up a four digit pin; you will need it to log in later, so keep it safe and secure, and don't forget it. , This portion takes the longest to complete.
You will need to fill in your marital status, citizenship, and gender.
It will also ask if you have a bridge card, medicaid, TANSF, or government assistance.
Once you have checked the corresponding boxes, make sure you go back and check them for accuracy.
If you're unsure of your answers for any of the items they ask you about, ask your parents or check your records, rather than guessing.
Answering incorrectly or incompletely may affect the aid you're awarded. , For the education portion it is just asking where you went to school, and if your received a diploma.
Shortly after, it will take you to the college link page.
This page will allow you to access and provide your college code.
Providing this school code (a number) allows the government to follow up with your school to check your application accuracy and provide the aid that you qualify for.
The last part of this page will ask you whether you will be in a dorm, or living with your parents.
Pick the correct option for each school.
After this step is done, you will now fill out tax information. br>
The form will ask you about your tax/income records, as well as your parents'
for the previous year.
The IRS link tool allows you to access this information through IRS records.
This website will auto-fill the information needed for the tax part of the financial aid application.
Once it fills the corresponding information on the tax worksheet, double check everything for accuracy.
After this step is done, hit the next button, which will ask more about your parents, including their social security numbers, household size, and marriage dates. , You will then hit the "I Agree" option.
This confirms that you've filled out the FAFSA accurately to the best of your knowledge.
After completion, you will receive a personal email from the FAFSA website that will tell you the application has been completed. , The financial aid department at your school will let you know if they need any more information from you.
It usually takes two weeks for the FAFSA to be processed.
Be patient, but follow up if you don't hear anything from them after that period.
About the Author
Mark Sanders
Specializes in breaking down complex hobbies topics into simple steps.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: