When the school asks you to verify the FAFSA
This article is for students whose college has asked them to verify the information on their FAFSA. It explains what the request covers, who reviews it and how to finish it quickly so federal and state grants can be paid.
Why the college asks
Verification is a review in which the college confirms details from your FAFSA against documents. Some students are chosen by the Department of Education, and colleges can also select students under their own policy. Being selected says nothing about whether you made a mistake.
The rules come from the federal government, but your college's aid office runs the review and sets the deadline. Federal grants, many state grants and need-based college grants wait until verification is complete. The college cannot pay a Pell Grant to a selected student until the file is finished.
What the request usually covers
Most requests start with a verification worksheet that asks about household size, the number of people in college and certain income. When tax data came straight from the IRS with consent, the college often needs little more about taxes. If it did not, the college may ask for an IRS tax return transcript or a signed copy of the return.
Some students are asked to confirm identity and sign a statement of educational purpose, sometimes in person with a photo ID. Others are asked about support received from food or housing programs. Read the request closely, because each item on it is something the aid office needs before it can close the file.
Being selected says nothing about whether you made a mistake.
Finishing it without delay
Check your college's student portal for a list of outstanding items, since many colleges post requests there instead of mailing them. Upload clear, complete copies and keep your own set. Call or visit the aid office if a document is hard to get, because staff can often suggest an accepted alternative.
If the review changes a number on your FAFSA, the college corrects the form and your Student Aid Index may change. That can raise or lower a grant, and a revised offer follows. Missing the college's deadline can mean losing federal grants for the year, so treat the date as firm.
State agencies sometimes run their own review of state grant files. When one writes to you directly, answer it as well, even if the college has already finished its check.
Steps to take this week
- Open the to-do list in your student portal
- Gather the documents named on the request
- Note the verification deadline in your calendar
- Call the aid office about any document you cannot get
Who decides
Your college's financial aid office
Grants for a selected student wait until verification is finished, so send every document the college asks for before its deadline.
