If you are dreading the FAFSA, take a deep breath and relax. It takes a little time, but it is not as difficult as you may think. And completing the FAFSA is free.

Steps in the FAFSA Process

If you follow these basic steps, you could complete your FAFSA on the Web in as little as an hour or two.

Step 1: Get a Social Security number (SSN)
If you submit the FAFSA without an SSN, your application will not be processed.

Step 2: Request a PIN
If you plan to submit your FAFSA online, you (and one of your parents) can request a PIN from the U.S. Department of Education. With a PIN you can apply and "sign" the FAFSA online, check the status of your submitted FAFSA, and make corrections.

Step 3: Make note of state and college deadlines and requirements
College and state deadlines tend to be earlier than the federal deadline (many are as early as February or March) and may require an application in addition to the FAFSA. Play it safe—collect these dates and information early.

Step 4: Use the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet
This tool will help you gather the information needed on the official FAFSA. Worksheets are available from your high school guidance office, public libraries, and fafsa.ed.gov.

Step 5: Access FAFSA on the Web
Complete your FAFSA on the Internet. Apply as soon as you can (after January 1) because funding can be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Information Needed to Complete the FAFSA

Student Information

• Marital status
• Citizenship & state residency
• Education history
• Major course of study
• Expected course workload
• Interest in student loans & work study
• Income taxes and deductions (including spouse's)
• Spouse's income
• Assets
• Dependency status
• Household
• List of schools you are interested in attending

Parent Information

• Level of education
• Income taxes & deductions
• Household assets
• Family members
• State residency
• Age

Federal Agencies

In addition to checking the FAFSA data against predetermined edits, the U.S. Department of Education will verify your information with the following federal agencies:

• Social Security Administration (to verify Social Security Numbers and US citizenship status).
• Selective Service System (to verify Selective Service registration status, if applicable).
• Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service (BCIS) formerly known as Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) (to verify eligible noncitizen status, if applicable).
• U.S. Department of Justice (to verify that an applicant has not been denied federal student aid by the courts as the result of a drug-related conviction).
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs(to verify veteran status, if applicable).

If the information you provide is inaccurate, the U.S. Department of Education will return your FAFSA. This will delay your application and could impact your financial aid award.

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