The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly referred to as the FAFSA, is a free form that students and their families can submit to qualify for federal, state, and institutional aid. In some cases, it is also used to distribute need-based scholarships, so private or charitable organizations may ask for information from the form.
In the past, this form caused frustration and confusion, which has resulted in a complete overhaul in the last few years. Though it is generally made available on October 1 of each year, the 2025-2026 FAFSA will be accessible to all students and families on December 1.
The Department of Education believes the new FAFSA will help 610,000 new students receive the Pell Grant. Furthermore, the newer form will enable 1.5 million more students to receive the federal Pell Grant than in years past.
The best way to navigate the new FASFA delayed launching again this year is to be prepared on your end. This means having all necessary documents ready to go by October 1:
Get FASFA ready with this document checklist.
You’ll also want to create a FASFA account, along with a FSA ID for each person contributing to the form. Because you will use your FSA ID to sign and submit the form, parents and guardians and students need to have their own.
Finally, you need to plan to complete the FAFSA as soon as it becomes available, whether that is on December 1 or a few weeks later if the form isn’t quite ready on the expected launch date. Many states distribute aid on a first-come, first-served basis, so you want to be ready to go as soon as your chance to apply opens.
In the coming weeks, states will post their financial aid deadlines as well. If you hope to qualify for state financial aid, you must fill out the form before their deadline.
Institutions may also have their own deadlines. Check with the colleges you plan to apply to and inquire about their timeframe. Many schools will also have supplemental financial aid forms. These extra forms may clarify your family’s financial circumstances, resulting in more aid.
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