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FAFSA Simplification

Simplifying the financial aid application process: the FAFSA Simplification Act is an initiative by the United States Department of Education to make applying for federal student aid easier for students.

For the first time in over 40 years, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is undergoing significant changes. These changes are designed to make the federal aid application process easier and increase the eligibility for student aid. During this transition, the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office will provide support and resources to help you understand and navigate this new process. 

FAFSA Simplification

The FAFSA Simplification Act will streamline the process for federal aid applicants, reducing the number of questions on the FAFSA form and providing direct data exchange with the IRS. There will also be expanded eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant and reduced barriers for certain student populations. The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) process will be updated with some of the changes from the new FAFSA that expand eligibility. 

Highlights of FAFSA Changes

  • FAFSA and CADAA changes will be implemented for the 2024-2025 application season.
  • The new FAFSA form will open sometime in December 31, 2023 instead of on October 1. The CADAA form is also expected to be available in December. Exact days to be determined.
  • There will be new vocabulary and a new financial need calculation.
  • The Student Aid Index (SAI) will replace the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
  • The parent who provided the most financial support in the last calendar year will need to complete the form; for students with divorced or separated parents, this may change the parent who files.
  • Students and contributors will need an FSA ID to submit the FAFSA.*
  • The new FAFSA process will consider the cost of attendance along with the new Student Aid Index when determining financial need.

*Federal Student Aid (FSA) has indicated that a process will be available for people without social security numbers to create an FSA ID and access the FAFSA. This process will likely require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Families who choose to obtain an ITIN may need to start the process early. 

What can the student do now?

  • Collect the same documentation that they need for the FAFSA every year, including tax forms for 2022.
  • If they have an FSA ID, confirm that it can access the account. 
  • If they haven’t already, create a FSA ID. If needed, invite their parent(s) or spouse to create an FSA ID.
  • If needed, obtain an ITIN and/or invite their parent(s) or spouse to obtain one.

More information will be coming when the Department of Education shares the details. The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office will continue to provide updates, resources, and support as they become available. 

For more information, please visit: https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/fafsa-simplification-act 

 

ED Details Updated Technical Fix and Outstanding Issues for FAFSA Contributors Without SSN

Alternate Verification: Scenario 1 


• Some non-SSN contributors will see 3-5 multiple choice questions that will help verify their identity. These questions will be from TransUnion

.• If you receive questions and answer them correctly, your identity will be verified - you can use your StudentAid.gov account immediately.

•If you do not receive questions, or you answer questions incorrectly, you will have to submit documentation

Alternate Verification: Scenario 2


Submit Documentation
1. Get a MANVER case number from FSA
• Non-SSN contributors who start the process now will receive their MANVER case number automatically via email.

2. Sign the Attestation Form and submit acceptable identification to IDVerification@ed.gov

3.FSA reviews submitted documents and verifies the account.