Financial Aid >> Browse Articles >> FAFSA
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.

KarenB216
3 days ago
I am unable to get a student loan through Fafsa for the fall 2012 / winter 2013. I was informed that I had reached my maximum for student loans. I am a first year grad student and my tuition is $775.00 per credit. Please advise what options I may have. I work part-time, but that is just enough to take care of me.
juliep7162
17 days ago
I can not get financial aid (any type of grant or enough Stafford loan monies) for the 2012-2013 year because they go by the 2011 taxes filed, but until Aug. 2011 I was married, (he had a substantial income), and I also had a decent job. We separated in Aug. and I left my job this past March to care for a terminally ill adult child. I am awaiting the final divorce papers which were due to be signed in Feb of this year. I am almost 50 years old and disparately want to further my education but can not do so without finical aid. I am no longer married, no longer employed, denied unemployment and my credit score is at rock bottom. I have no money and no way to finance my education. Does anyone know where I can turn?
juliep7162
17 days ago
I can not get financial aid (any type of grant or enough Stafford loan monies) for the 2012-2013 year because they go by the 2011 taxes filed, but until Aug. 2011 I was married, (he had a substantial income), and I also had a decent job. We separated in Aug. and I left my job this past March to care for a terminally ill adult child. I am awaiting the final divorce papers which were due to be signed in Feb of this year. I am almost 50 years old and disparately want to further my education but can not do so without finical aid. I am no longer married, no longer employed, denied unemployment and my credit score is at rock bottom. I have no money and no way to finance my education. Does anyone know where I can turn?
scandor13
about 1 month ago
Jmgheno, you will claim your child this year on FAFSA because it requests for all dependents that you will provide support to for the coming year and not the previous year.
Jmgheno
about 1 month ago
I am pregnant and due this month. I will be providing all financial support for my child, so I will be claiming him as a dependent. Am I able to put him on there now even though he is not born as he will be once I would actually be receiving the financial aid?
Tequilac94
4 months ago
thanks
Montalbano_s_m
7 months ago
My mom is supposed to pay my dad child support but the money does not always get paid. Do we still have to claim this money even though it is not there? (even if it is written in court papers saying it should be paid)
CountryChic2260
10 months ago
thanks for the information, just filled mine out and dont think i made any of those mistakes... Thanks for the reasurement
CHenry91
over 2 years ago
Just what i needed very informative!
ElizabethB1244
over 2 years 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
over 2 years 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
over 2 years ago
FAFSA is a joke
RobinR33
over 2 years 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
over 2 years 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
over 2 years ago
How can you get your tax return back earlier so you can file earlier?