|
What is the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form that the federal government, states, colleges, and other organizations use to award financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and federal student loans.
Here are some key changes to be aware of for the 2024-2025 FAFSA
- The FAFSA is open, but it may be unavailable when you try to apply. FSA announced that it will initiate planned application pauses for site maintenance and make updates as needed to create a better FAFSA experience for students and families.
- Applicants may experience a waiting room feature, which will help control website volumes to ensure optimal performance of the form.
- After all sections of the online FAFSA form are completed and submitted, the student will receive a confirmation email noting their submission date, their estimated Student Aid Index (SAI), and estimated Federal Pell Grant eligibility. However, the student will not receive a FAFSA Submission Summary until the FSA processes the FAFSA, beginning in late January.
- Everyone whose income is reported on the FAFSA must have a verified FSA ID before they can file for federal student aid.
- Students must report the income of the parent who provides the most support.
Create your FSA ID!
The FSA ID will be required for anyone who will enter information on the FAFSA form. Both the student and parent(s) must create a Student Aid Account to get an FSA ID before they can apply for the 2024-25 FAFSA.
- If parents are married and file their taxes ‘married filing jointly,’ then only one parent needs an FSA ID.
- If parents are married and file their taxes ‘married filing separately,’ they’ll both need an FSA ID.
- If parents are divorced or separated, the parent who provided the most financial support in the last calendar year will now complete the FAFSA.
For more information on how to create your FSA ID, join our weekly Creating Your FSA ID sessions!
Be prepared for the FAFSA
Be sure to gather the information and documents you’ll need to file your FAFSA. Having these documents on hand can help you complete the form accurately and help you avoid errors and delays.
- Your Social Security Number
- Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
- Your federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned
- Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
- Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
You can apply for TAP right now
You don’t need to wait for the FAFSA to file your NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application!
Have questions about financial aid, HESC can help!
HESC has events and Drop-Ins designed to answer your questions and help you on your path toward higher education. Visit the HESC Events page for more information and a full list of upcoming events.
|
