FAFSAFREE APPLICATION

FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID

The FAFSA is the primary form of government aid. In order to receive fi nancial aid, or many scholarships from

colleges, you must fi le the FAFSA. Don’t wait until you fi le your taxes – estimate your

income, submit your application, then log in and make corrections later.

Colleges may require additional documents & have other deadlines.

You may begin fi ling as early as January 1. “College Bound Scholarship” students must fi le by

February 1. Re-apply every year (Between Jan 1-Feb 1). Never pay to fi ll out the FAFSA – It’s FREE! Don’t wait until you are admitted to college to fi le the FAFSA. Check college websites for their “priority” FAFSA fi ling

deadline.

FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA)

Create a Pin Number (www.pin.ed.gov).Submit the FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov).Submit any other applications required by your

college or the state (check with college’s financial aid website).

Demonstrate financial need (except for Plus Loans and unsubsidized federal Staff ord loans).

Earn a high school diploma or GED.Be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen.Be a resident of the state (for state aid).Enroll in an eligible degree or certificate program.Maintain satisfactory academic progress.Have a Social Security number.Register with the U.S. Selective Service (males age

18-25).

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL AID

Both students and parents need to apply for their own personal identification number (PIN) before applying for FAFSA aid.

If your parent has already created a PIN for an older sibling, then your parent will use the same PIN for you. You will still have to create one for yourself.

Create a FAFSA PIN Number at (www.pin.ed.gov).

APPLY FOR A PIN

You can use your PIN to:Electronically sign your FAFSA application, dramatically decreasing the processing time.

Make online corrections to your FAFSA.Access your Student Aid Report (SAR).

Your PIN can be used each year to electronically apply for federal student aid and to access your Federal Student Aid records online. Do NOT to share your PIN with anyone! Be sure to keep your PIN in a safe place.

WHAT IS A PIN USED FOR?

Your Social Security number. (Your alien registration or permanent resident card if you are not a U.S. citizen.)

Your driver’s license (if any).Your 2012 W-2 forms and other records of money

earned. Your 2012 Federal Income Tax return (and your

parent’s if you are a dependent student): IRS 1040, 1040A, 1040 EZ Foreign Tax Return, or Tax Return for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federal States of Micronesia, or Palau

WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO FILL OUT THE FAFSA?

Your 2012 untaxed income records and current bank statements.

Your current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond and other investment records.

FAFSA on the Web will guide you through the questions that you must answer.

Keep these records! You may need them again. Do not mail your records to Federal Student Aid.

You can save your application and return to it later if you don’t have the information you need to answer any of the questions.

MORE DOCUMENTS YOU WILL NEED

LC’s FAFSA Filing Events:

Thursday, January 3, 20136:30 p.m.

In the LibraryOR

Saturday, January 12, 20139:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

In the Library

College financial aid representatives will be here to answer questions and assist students and parents fi le their FAFSA.

Computers are available. You can make an appointment with Mrs. Mackleit in the career

center if you are unable to attend an event.

WHAT IF I NEED HELP FILING THE FAFSA?

If your FAFSA is submitted correctly, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) via e-mail (within a few days).

Print the SAR for future reference.

The schools you have the FAFSA sent to will send you a fi nancial aid package which will give you a breakdown of the cost of attendance and what fi nancial aid you qualify for (grants, scholarships, work study and/or loans).

You must indicate what you want to accept or decline. Just because they off er you aid, DOES NOT mean you must accept it.

Check your e-mails regularly for info from FAFSA and/or the schools you are applying.

If you are chosen for “Verifi cation” the school will tell you what else they need from you. Be sure to respond in a timely fashion otherwise your aid may be revoked.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT