Here’s what you better know if you’re filling out the FAFSA.

What’s different about FAFSA this year?

Delays and glitches causedwidespread chaos during the 2024-25 rollout.

How does FAFSA help me get federal student aid?

Based on the answers you provide to questions on the FAFSA, thefinancial aid office calculatesyour Student Aid Index.

A lower number means there’s a higher likelihood you’ll receive need-based financial assistance.

Schools use the SAI to calculate the amount of financial aid they offer you.

Should I fill out the FAFSA?

“Some schools require FAFSA to qualify for merit aid through their school,” Rubin said.

“Under this administration, it continues to be unclear where information sharing is possible and with whom.”

Some may offer alternative applications or other financing options.

Also consider private, merit-based scholarships, which may not require information about your parents or spouse.

“Citizenship and legal permanent residency is a very complicated topic,” Rubin said.

“It’s going to be a very personal decision on how to proceed.”

Note that verifying your Social Security number for your FSA ID may take one to three days.

verify you’ll be able to enter the email and phone number you provide.

How to fill out the FAFSA

Preparation is key when filling out the FAFSA.

You’ll want to gather relevant financial and legal documents before you dive in.

This will save you time during the program process.

you’re free to pause the software at any time and return to complete it.

You must list at least one college but it’s possible for you to add more colleges later.

Select “Proceed to the IRS” to use theIRS Data Retrieval Tool.

Double-check your work throughout.

All of your information for the student and contributors must match their StudentAid.gov account exactly.

Don’t use nicknames or suffixes (such as Jr.).

You’ll also be notified when contributors sign and complete sections.

When is FAFSA due?

In general, the FAFSA utility period opens on Oct. 1 before the following school year.

However, the 2024-25 and 2025-26 openings were delayed because of glitches with the new form.

The federal deadline for FAFSA applications is June 30 at 11:59 p.m. Central time for that academic year.

you’re able to find your state’s deadline on thefederal student loan site.

Check your college’s admissions site for their deadline.

Otherwise, the app will not be considered complete and won’t be accepted.

If you’re an independent student, you don’t have to supply your parents' information.

What happens if I make a mistake?

Information imported from the IRS cannot be changed.

Is FAFSA the only way to get financial aid?

But it’s not the only way to obtain financial aid.

Some colleges use the CSS Profile Form to determine financial aid awards.

you might also apply for private scholarships, which may not use the FAFSA.