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Federal Aid- Steps to Completing a FAFSA


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FAFSA is the free application for federal student aid. This must be completed before applying for government grants and most government loans (such as the Stafford or Perkins). Your school will use information from the FAFSA to determine whether or not you qualify to receive federal student aid.

You can obtain and submit a FAFSA online or through your school's financial aid office. This article explains the online application process only.

Filling out a FAFSA online is fast, free, and simple.

Before You Start Your FAFSA:

The first thing that you will need to do before filling out a FAFSA is to obtain a PIN (Personal Identification Number.) You can get a PIN through the U.S. Department of Education at www.pin.ed.gov. Parent's of dependents will need a PIN as well.

Your PIN will be used to electronically sign your FAFSA, review your Student Aid Report (SAR), print your SAR, reapply for student aid annually, and see online information about any federal loans or grants you have received.

You'll need to have certain documents on hand to refer to as you complete your FAFSA. These documents are: your Social Security card, driver's license, previous years W-2 form and any additional records of money earned, last years Federal Income Tax Return, and your parents' Federal Income Tax return from the previous year. You will also need your untaxed income records (social security, temporary assistance to needy families, welfare, or veteran's benefits) from the previous year, current bank statements, and current business and investment information.

Completing A FAFSA:

As soon as you have received your PIN and the necessary information, you can begin filling out the application.

1. On FAFSA.ed.gov click on "Filling Out a FAFSA" (it's step #2 on the left side of the screen.) Use you and your parent's PINs to sign before you begin filling out the application. If for some reason you did not obtain a PIN, you can print, sign, and send in a signature page.

2. Fill out the application.

3. Examine your answers carefully, you won't want to leave any mistakes.

4. Click the "Submit my FAFSA Now" button once you have completed the entire application.

This button will bring you to a webpage with a confirmation number and an estimated loan or grant amount. You will want to print this page and keep it in your records.

Follow-Up:

When you are done with the FAFSA you'll receive a follow-up letter. If you provided them with an email address, they'll send you an email in about five days, if not, you will receive a letter in the mail in about 2 weeks. This email/letter will give provide you with a link to your online Student Aid Report (SAR). Check your SAR carefully to make certain your answers are accurate.


About the Author
Elise Fisher loves writing articles for her website About-Student-Loans.com. Make sure you check out the Student Finance Options page to learn more about other types of financial aid!