The FAFSA decides most of your aid. Work these steps in order and you avoid the errors that quietly cost families thousands.
Both the student and one parent each need an FSA ID at studentaid.gov. It can take a few days to verify, so do it before you start.
Social Security numbers, last year's federal tax returns, records of untaxed income, and current balances of cash, savings, and investments.
Add every college you are considering. They each receive your information automatically.
Let the FAFSA pull your tax data directly. It is faster and removes the typos that cause delays.
Blanks cause processing errors. Double-check your SSN and your name spelling against your Social Security card.
The student and the parent each sign with their own FSA ID. A missing signature stalls everything.
Note the date. Some aid is first come, first served.
These are often earlier than the federal deadline, and aid can run out. Confirm each one.
Read it for errors, and remember your award is a starting point you can appeal if your situation changed.
Start or update your FAFSA at studentaid.gov. For the mistakes to avoid, read our FAFSA mistakes guide.
If your family's situation changed, you can appeal. We draft it around your school's own policy.
Start my appeal