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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.
ElizabethB1244
5 days ago
SamanthaC2127 you get your pin number from the FAFSA website and your parents will need a seperate pin. Also make sure to write your pin down because it stays the same and is a huge pain to get a new one.
SamanthaC2127
5 days ago
Pin number? I filled this out on collegeboard and there was no request for Pin number? And do I use separate pin numbers for noth me and my parents?
ErikaF56
5 days ago
FAFSA is a joke
RobinR33
6 days ago
PatrickL214 is correct...social security income is excluded as of last year. This article is misleading and should be undated because it could cost someone their financial aid.
PatrickL214
6 days ago
This article needs to be taken down or an updated version done. Not all forms of untaxed income necessarily get reported now. Social security income is excluded.
AmandaL1082
6 days ago
How can you get your tax return back earlier so you can file earlier?
Dee_ffa
7 days ago
Dreading this.
invinciblejoe
7 days ago
Do I have to register for Selective Service even though I am 17 and will not turn 18 until the end of the year?
JordanP594
29 days ago
Great
BryanM684
about 1 month ago
In the article above, Avoid FAFSA Mistakes That Can Cost You ... it says 1. 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. 2. Don’t forget to report all the required sources of untaxed income. These include Social Security, child support and Aid to Dependent Children (ADC).
NatashaP8
about 1 month ago
as far as i know, it's not granted towards international students. only national.
truememories
about 1 month ago
Is this form accessible to international students. As an international student i do not have a social security number.
mrsgrim
about 1 month ago
My Dad is on Social Security Disability, where does that get reported on the FAFSA?
Mark_Kantrowitz
about 1 month ago
Child support must be reported on the FAFSA even though it is not unearned income.
DANYELLEDUTRA1
4 months 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?