COMPLETING THE FAFSA
Your Gateway to Financial Aid for the 2024-2025 Academic Year
Whether you’re a new or returning student, and regardless of whether you’re enrolling in a trade school or a four-year university, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is an essential first step towards securing financial assistance for the 2024-2025 college year.
Before You Start, have these documents ready:
- Student Social Security number.
- List of colleges you're applying to.
- 2023 federal tax return for student and parent(s).
- Current assets information (cash, savings, checking, net worth).
- Annual child support received (if applicable).
- Parent(s) information: date of birth, Social Security number (or ITIN), marital status, marriage/divorce/widow date, email address.
- Spouse information (if applicable): Social Security number, date of birth, email address.
To create a StudentAid.gov account (FSA ID): You and any parent/stepparent who will contribute information will need one. Be prepared to provide your social security number, email address, and phone number. Here’s a step-by-step checklist for submitting and completing the FAFSA.
Who Needs to Create an FSA ID?
All students need a FSA ID.
Your parent(s) and/or spouse may also need one, depending on your situation.
Quick Guide to FSA ID Requirements for FAFSA®
- If you’re a dependent student with two married parents who filed taxes jointly in 2022.
- If you’re a dependent student with separated or divorced parents, you’ll need the parent who provided you with the most financial support in the last year, plus their current spouse (if they remarried since January 1, 2022) or their previous spouse (if they filed taxes separately).
- If you’re a dependent student with two married parents who filed separate tax returns in 2022.
- If you’re a dependent student with two parents who are unmarried but living together.
- Your spouse needs an FSA ID if you filed taxes separately in 2022.
- Married student (over 24 or filed joint taxes): You only need an FSA ID.
How to Create an FSA ID
Step 1: Visit the FAFSA® Website
Step 2: Click "Get Started"
Locate and click on the "Get Started" button to begin the process.
Step 3: Enter Personal Information
Input your name, date of birth, and Social Security number as prompted. Remember to use a personal email address as it will ensure better accessibility and avoid potential issues with student email accounts, which may have limited access or expiration after graduation.
Step 4: Create Username and Password
Choose a strong and memorable username and password for your FSA ID.
Step 5: Verify Email Address
Check your email inbox for a verification link and click on it to confirm your email address.
Step 6: Complete Challenge Questions
Answer challenge questions to help recover your account if you forget your password.
Step 7: Choose 2-Step Verification Method
Select your preferred method for receiving verification codes: text message, email, or authentication app.
Step 8: Review and Submit
Carefully review all the information you provided and submit your application.
Step 9: Keep A Safe Record Of Your FSA ID!
Write down or take a picture of your FSA ID username and password for future reference.
You're Ready to Complete the FAFSA!
Once you have your FSA ID and your contributors have FSA IDs, you can proceed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.
Here are the next steps
Step 1: Visit the FAFSA® Main Website
Go to https://studentaid.gov/
Step 2: Access FAFSA® Form
Click on "I am a student and want to access the FAFSA form."
Step 3: Log in with FSA ID
Log in using your FSA ID credentials.
Step 4: Complete Your Section
Fill out your section of the FAFSA form, including providing your personal information. If you're dependent, add contributor information as required.
Step 5: Share Your FAFSA® with Contributors
Share the FAFSA with your contributors via email using the provided option.
Step 6: Contributors Complete Their Sections
Your contributors will use their FSA IDs to access and complete their sections of the FAFSA form.
Step 7: Finalize and Submit
Once all contributors have completed their sections, the last contributor can finalize and submit the FAFSA.
Step 8: Confirmation Email
After submission, you'll receive a confirmation email to acknowledge the successful completion of the FAFSA.
Important Notes
- Start early! Maximize your aid by completing the FAFSA ASAP. Deadlines vary by state and college, but the federal deadline is June 30th.
- Filling out the FAFSA is FREE! Avoid scams and only use the official website.
- Consider completing the FAFSA with a parent/trusted adult or financial aid expert in your community.
Remember, accurate and complete information is crucial for a smooth FAFSA process and potentially more financial aid!
After You Submit
- Processing may take several weeks. You’ll receive a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) with your Student Aid Index (SAI) indicating expected federal aid and your expected contribution.
- This doesn’t include state aid, college-specific aid, or private scholarships/loans.
- Your college will notify you about your financial aid offer. Check your college portal for updates.
