FAFSA Verification: Why You Were Selected & What to Do
Once you submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the next step is waiting for your Student Aid Report (SAR), which tells you whether your application has been processed successfully. However, in some cases, you may be selected for FAFSA verification. If you’re chosen for verification, you might feel a bit uncertain or confused about what to do next. Understanding why you were selected and what actions to take can help you navigate the process smoothly and ensure you receive the financial aid you’re eligible for.
What is FAFSA Verification?
Verification is a process where the financial aid office at your school confirms the accuracy of the information you reported on your FAFSA. The U.S. Department of Education randomly selects a percentage of FAFSA applications for verification each year. Being selected does not necessarily mean that you did something wrong, but it does mean that the school needs to ensure the information you submitted is correct before awarding financial aid.
While verification can be an additional step in the process, it’s crucial to remember that it’s a standard procedure to ensure fairness and accuracy in distributing federal student aid.
Why Was I Selected for FAFSA Verification?
There are several reasons why the Department of Education or your school might select your FAFSA for verification. Some common reasons include:
- Random Selection: Around one-third of FAFSA applications are selected randomly for verification each year. If you are randomly selected, it’s simply a procedural step to confirm the accuracy of your application.
- Inconsistent Information: If your FAFSA application contains conflicting information or discrepancies, your school may select you for verification to resolve the issues. This could include inconsistencies in income reporting, family size, or other personal details.
- Unusual Application Data: Certain factors, such as a drastic change in family income, the use of estimates instead of actual figures, or errors with your tax information, can raise flags and lead to verification.
- Specific Programs: Some financial aid programs may require additional verification for all applicants. For example, if you’re applying for a specific grant or scholarship, the financial aid office may require verification for eligibility purposes.
- Changes to Financial Circumstances: If you’ve experienced a significant change in income, like job loss or divorce, your school may request documentation to verify your current financial situation.
What Happens During FAFSA Verification?
Once you’re selected for verification, your school’s financial aid office will ask you to provide certain documents to confirm the accuracy of the information you submitted on your FAFSA. The exact documents needed can vary depending on the situation, but they typically include:
- Tax Forms: The most common document required is your IRS Tax Return Transcript (for both students and parents, if applicable). This transcript verifies the tax information you reported on your FAFSA. You can request this transcript directly from the IRS website or use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) to transfer the correct information from the IRS to your FAFSA.
- Verification Worksheet: Your school may require you to complete a verification worksheet, which asks for basic information about your financial situation, family size, and income. The financial aid office will provide you with this form.
- Other Financial Documents: In some cases, your school may ask for additional documents, such as W-2 forms, pay stubs, or a statement of any untaxed income (e.g., child support or Social Security benefits).
- Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose: If your identity or citizenship is in question, your school may require you to submit proof of your identity (such as a passport or driver’s license) and a signed statement affirming your intent to use financial aid for educational purposes.
Once you submit the requested documents, the financial aid office will review them, compare them to your FAFSA, and make any necessary corrections to your application. This step may take several weeks, so it’s important to submit your documents as quickly as possible.
What to Do If You’re Selected for FAFSA Verification
If you’re selected for FAFSA verification, follow these steps to complete the process:
1. Don’t Panic
Being selected for verification is a routine part of the financial aid process, and it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. It’s just a way for your school to double-check the information you provided.
2. Review Your FAFSA
Before you submit any documents, carefully review your FAFSA to ensure there are no errors or missing information. If you spot any mistakes, correct them by logging in to your FAFSA account and updating your details.
3. Gather the Required Documents
Once you know what documents you need, start gathering them. Common documents include:
- IRS Tax Return Transcript or IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) results
- Verification Worksheet (available from your school’s financial aid office)
- W-2 forms, pay stubs, or other income verification documents
- Proof of identity (if requested)
If you need help accessing your IRS Tax Return Transcript or using the IRS DRT, your financial aid office can assist you.
4. Submit Documents Promptly
Submit the required documents as soon as possible. Missing or delayed paperwork could delay your financial aid package or even cause you to miss out on aid. Keep copies of everything you submit for your records.
5. Stay in Touch with the Financial Aid Office
If you have any questions or run into issues gathering your documents, don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s financial aid office. They can help clarify what’s needed and may provide guidance if you’re having trouble with specific forms.
6. Wait for Confirmation
After you submit the required documents, it may take a few weeks for your school to complete the verification process. Once the process is complete, the financial aid office will notify you of any changes to your financial aid package, including any new awards or adjustments based on the verified information.
What Happens After FAFSA Verification?
After you complete the verification process, the financial aid office will make the necessary corrections to your FAFSA and determine your final financial aid award. If everything checks out and no further corrections are needed, you’ll receive an updated Student Aid Report (SAR), and your financial aid package will be finalized.
If the verification process leads to changes in your financial aid eligibility, you’ll be notified about any adjustments to the amount or type of aid you’re receiving. In some cases, your eligibility for certain grants or loans may change if the corrected information alters your financial need.
How Long Does FAFSA Verification Take?
The length of time it takes to complete FAFSA verification can vary. It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks after you submit the necessary documentation for the financial aid office to process your information. However, the processing time can be longer during peak times, such as at the beginning of the academic year or close to financial aid deadlines.
You can track the status of your verification through your school’s financial aid portal. Be sure to check regularly for any updates or requests for additional documentation.
What If I Don’t Complete FAFSA Verification?
Failing to complete the verification process can result in delays or loss of financial aid. If you don’t submit the requested documents, your school may not be able to finalize your financial aid package, and you could miss out on important funding like federal grants, work-study, or loans.
If you are having trouble submitting your documents on time, communicate with the financial aid office to see if they can offer an extension or other assistance.
Conclusion
While being selected for FAFSA verification can feel like an extra hurdle, it’s a standard and essential part of the process to ensure accurate financial aid distribution. By understanding why you were selected and what you need to do, you can avoid unnecessary stress and stay on top of the required documentation. The sooner you complete the verification process, the sooner your financial aid will be finalized, allowing you to focus on your education. Keep in mind that the financial aid office is there to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need guidance along the way.
