If you’re applying to school, the application process can seem long and difficult. If you’re also applying for financial aid, it may seem near impossible. To get aid, you need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be a daunting process for students seeking help with paying for their education. However, if you use the online version of the application, and follow these hints, it may be simpler than you thought.
First, check out the Department of Education's FAFSA website. The online form gives students a three-step process to follow when filling out their application. Getting together the information you need before filling out the application will make the whole process much simpler for you. Follow the steps to determine your dependency status.
If you are dependent, you will need:
- your parental information
- a parent’s signature
- your parent’s federal income tax return handy for the form. (Your eligibility and percentage of aid may change based on different factors, so be sure to answer all questions honestly and truthfully.)
You’ll also need:
- your Social Security number (SSN)
- a drivers license if applicable
- any W-2 forms and records of money earned from the previous year
- your previous year’s income tax return
- any untaxed income records from the previous year
- current bank statements
- any investment records
- your alien or permanent residence card (if you’re not a U.S. citizen)
That may seem like an intimidating list of documents so be sure to gather them all before starting the FAFSA process, or you may end up simply frustrated. When applying online, which will be the fastest and most convenient way to apply in most situations, make sure to apply for a PIN at FAFSA’s PIN information site. This will allow you and your parents, if applicable, to sign your FAFSA form electronically. To apply for the PIN, you’ll need:
- your SSN
- email
- mailing address
You can also download and print a worksheet so that you can fill out the FAFSA before entering the answers online. Once you have all of this preliminary work done, you can begin to fill out your application online.