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Avoid FAFSA Mistakes that Can Cost You
Avoid frustration with the FAFSA by being prepared.
By Mike Pugh
April 21, 2009
A mistake on your FAFSA can delay the processing of your application by up to three weeks. One in seven FAFSA forms is returned due to errors. It could happen to you.
Avoid the most common mistakes:
- The most frequent mistake made is leaving a field blank. If the answer is zero or the question does not apply to you, write in a zero. If you leave a question blank, the processor will assume that you forgot to answer.
- Use the 1040 federal tax return for income reporting and reporting taxes paid. Some parents and students mistakenly use their W-2 form.
- Don’t forget to report all the required sources of untaxed income. These include Social Security, child support and Aid to Dependent Children (ADC).
- Report your correct marital status. If you plan to file as a married student, you must be married on or before the date that you sign your FAFSA.
- Make sure to include your stepparent’s information.
- Include yourself in the household size. Even if you didn’t live there during the previous year, you should always include yourself as part of your parent’s household.
- Don’t forget to sign the application. If you’re filing as a dependent, both you and your parents must sign. If you file online, you and your parents can sign the form electronically using your PIN numbers.
- Remember to file on time. Priority for programs with limited funds is often given to students who file the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible.
- As with all forms and applications, make sure you read the instructions and questions carefully. If you’re unclear about a question or are having trouble filling out the FAFSA, check the FAQ section on the FAFSA Web site, or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED AID (1-800-433-3243).
- On the paper form, follow instructions with regard to using a pen or pencil.
To avoid these errors, get started early. Use the Pre-Application Worksheet to insure you’ve gathered all the necessary information. Be sure to proofread your application before you submit it. Fill it out right the first time, and you’ll have your financial aid letter in no time.
DANYELLEDUTRA1
about 1 month ago
not true......corrections can be done by your FAA and corrections are made and sent back to the school within 24 to 48 hrs. i got a confirmation the day after submitted for mistakes that they were corrected and sent back 2 my school. it still takes a long time to recieve your fin aid.i get mine next wed. i waited almost 10 wks.how long for everybody else?
FaithG56
3 months ago
i just finished filling it out and i think i made some mistakes. i printed out the information and there is a bunch of blank fields i dont think it would b appropriate to put a 0 in some of the catagories what should i do?
EricaG370
4 months ago
why is it soooo hard to fill out! arg! I hate FASFA its so difficult
DanielleG923
4 months ago
i hav been selected for verification two years in a row and i'm only a college sophomore. i wonder if this is why....
Does anyone one know how the verification status is determined? Is it random or do i make the same mistakes when filing my FAFSA?
SalehR2
5 months ago
I don't still know where all the scholarship and financial aid money go to when no one i know barely gets any money. I am a 19 year old freshman at UMass and am independent. i earned 7 grands last year and got no aid what so ever.
ChelseaM351
5 months ago
If child support is not earned income, are you required to provide that information on the FAFSA form?