How to complete the FAFSA
Completing and submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA ) is the single most important action you can take to get money for college .
The FAFSA is used by schools to put together your financial aid package , including grants , work-study , federal student loans , and even state and school financial aid .
If you ’ re applying for financial aid for academic year 2017 – 18 , you can now submit your FAFSA starting October 1 , 2016 , using your 2015 income tax return . Be sure to submit the FAFSA every year you ’ re in college . Aid is awarded on a first-come , first-served basis , so know your deadlines and apply as early as you can to maximize your financial aid . For the most current information on this and other changes , be sure to visit studentaid . ed . gov .
How to complete the FAFSA
These three simple steps can make the process faster and easier . Step 1 : Gather all the information you ’ ll need , including :
· Your drivers ’ license and Social Security number Your parents ’ Social Security numbers and birthdates
· Your family ’ s latest federal income tax returns W-2 forms
· Bank statements Information on your family ’ s investments
Step 2 : Bookmark FAFSA . gov
· Don ’ t fall for scams . The only site you should use to fill out and submit your application is FAFSA . gov .
· There ’ s no charge for submitting the FAFSA .
· This is where you get your Federal Student Aid ( FSA ) ID ; the user name and password give you access to the site .
· The site also has the most up-to-date information on upcoming changes .
Step 3 : Submit your FAFSA
· The easiest and fastest way is to file online with your FSA ID . Your application will be processed within 3-5 days .
· You can mail in a paper application , but the processing time will take about 7-10 days .
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