You know you have to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)

You know you have to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) form, but maybe you’re not sure what to do

 

Let’s review what to expect.

Filling out the FAFSA^® form can be a straightforward and easy process. The fafsa.gov site will guide you through the application; click on the “Start A New FAFSA” button on the home page, and just follow the directions on the screen. Below are some tips to help you along the way.

Ready to fill out the FAFSA^® form now? Go for it

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Trending FAFSA^® Questions

I submitted my FAFSA® form. What are the next steps?

What are the deadlines for filling out the FAFSA® form?

How do I add a school to my FAFSA® form?

What do I do if I forgot my FSA ID username and password?

What do I do if my FSA ID email hasn’t been verified?

I’m a parent. How can I fill out a FAFSA® form if I can’t use my child’s FSA ID?

Do both parents need an FSA ID?

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FAFSA^® Topics

Creating an FSA ID
Gathering the Documents Needed to Apply
Getting Help
Starting Your FAFSA^® Form and Providing Your Basic Personal Information
Listing Colleges and/or Career Schools
Determining Your Dependency Status
Reporting Parents’ Information
Providing Financial Information
     Automatically Transferring Your Tax Information Using the Internal Revenue Service Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT)
Signing and Submitting the FAFSA^® Form
Taking the Next Steps
 

Try This Resource

The FAFSA Process graphic—Walks through the process of preparing for, completing, and submitting a FAFSA form. Includes info on what happens after the form is submitted.

Creating an FSA ID

We strongly recommend you create an FSA ID, a username and password combination that allows you to sign your FAFSA^® form electronically. Your FSA ID also can be used to sign loan contracts and to access certain information online. While you can get your FSA ID as you’re completing the FAFSA form, getting it ahead of time and using it to begin your FAFSA form on fafsa.gov cuts down on errors and delays. Find out how to get an FSA ID and what to do if you forgot your FSA ID.
Important note: If you’re a dependent student, one of your parents whose information is reported on the FAFSA form will also need an FSA ID so that he or she can sign your application electronically. If your parent doesn’t have a Social Security number (SSN), your parent won’t be able to create an FSA ID (which requires an SSN). This means you’ll have to select the option to print a signature page when you get to the end of your FAFSA form.