Completing the FAFSA

The most important advice about completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is to READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.

There are two formats for filing the FAFSA. One is the traditional paper form and the other is filing an electronic form. Regardless of the method you choose, you'll complete the application more quickly if you have the right documents.

Completing the FAFSA requires information like that requested on your federal income tax forms. Therefore, it's helpful to complete your taxes and have them available when completing the financial aid application.

You will need the following 2008 information to complete a FAFSA for the 2009-2010 school year:

Your Social Security card and driver's license.
Your parents' Social Security number.
W-2 Forms or other records of income earned.
Your (and your parents, if you're dependent) Federal Income Tax Return.
Records of other untaxed income received such as child support received, payments to tax-deferred pension plans, veteran's benefits, or military or clergy allowances.
Current bank statements and records of stocks, bonds, and other investments.
Business or farm records, if applicable.
Your alien registration card (if you're not a U.S. citizen).

Other things to keep in mind when completing the FAFSA:

Follow directions carefully as you complete your application; any errors will cause delays in processing or even the loss of financial assistance.
If you don't have a Social Security number, you can pick up an application for one at any post office. For more information about applying for a Social Security number, call 1-800-772-1213.
You should save all records and other materials used to prepare your application because you may be required to verify that it is correct.
Save either a paper or electronic copy of your completed application for future reference.
Once you have accurately completed the FAFSA, send your application to the specified address or submit the application electronically.
If you applied in 2008-2009, you will have the option of populating many of the fields on the 2009-2010 FAFSA with your responses on the 2008-2009 FAFSA.

Help in completing the FAFSA is available online.

You can also get help in completing the FAFSA by calling:

The Federal Student Aid Information Center at (800) 4-FED-AID.
The Office of Higher Education financial aid staff at (651) 642-0567 or (800) 657-3866.

Completing the FAFSA Flow Chart (.pdf)