The Q&A was taken from the FEDERAL STUDENT AID YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtr3wy4M_CJ2Hrd0UwCAWJOgOPu8l_ZLf  

WHAT IS THE FAFSA?

The FAFSA form is an application that students complete to determine how much financial aid they are eligible for, if any. Financial aid will help cover the cost of college expenses that are not covered by the Department of Rehabilitation. (DoR will cover tuition and books. They will not cover dorms and meals)

WHO NEEDS TO APPLY FOR FAFSA?

Students who are a U.S. Citizen (or eligible non-citizen) and plan on attending college must apply for FAFSA every year. Parents/Guardians are part of this process and will need to provide information to complete the application. 

HOW MUCH FINANCIAL AID WILL I RECEIVE?

The amount of financial aid you receive will depend on the income of your parents, as documented on the FAFSA form. If approved for federal student aid, information on your FAFSA will be reviewed by colleges to determine how much student aid will be offered. 

WHEN IS THE FAFSA DUE?

As soon as the new form launches, it is highly recommended that the form be submitted within 1-2 weeks. This will help increase your chances of getting a better financial aid offer. 

WHAT ARE THE SIX UPDATES TO THE NEW FAFSA FORM?

1. Parents (biological or adoptive) and stepparents may need to participate in completing the form as a contributor of financial income. 

2. Federal tax information will be transferred directly from the IRS into the FAFSA form.

3. All contributors (Student + Family) must provide consent and approval for the transfer of federal tax information on the FAFSA form. If consent is not provided by all contributors, students will NOT be eligible for student aid.

4. All contributors must create/have their own StudentAid.gov account.

5. Students can track the status of their FAFSA form on their StudentAid.gov account. 

6. Students can select up to 20 colleges/trade schools to send their FAFSA information to. 

WHO IS A CONTRIBUTOR?

A contributor refers to anyone who is required to provide information, consent and approval, and a signature on the FAFSA form - STUDENT + PARENT(S). Being identified as a contributor does not mean financial responsibility for the student's college education.

Contributors are determined by:

• dependency

• tax filing

• marital status