Aid Application Process

Take these steps to apply for federal student aid.

1. Get Prepared - gather the documents you will need to apply.

2. Complete the FAFSA Form - apply early to maximize your aid. Know the deadlines.

3. Review the Student Aid Report - make corrections, if necessary.

4. Respond to Aid Offer - accept the aid you want.

5. Receive Aid - get your aid from your school.

6. Renew your FAFSA form - reapply each year.

• Student and both parents’ W-2 forms and other records of money earned in the previous year
• Student and both parents’ 1040 form from the previous year's federal income tax return
• Student and both parents’ social security number**
• Parents’ marriage and/or divorce date (month and year)
• Parents’ birthdays (month and year)
• Students driver’s license**
• Student and parents’ previous year's untaxed income records such as social security, veteran’s benefits, welfare benefits, child support, alimony, TANF, etc**
• Student and both parents’ previous year's business investment, mortgage information and other investment records**
• Student’s alien registration card if student is a permanent resident and not a U.S. Citizen**
• A list of colleges or universities where the student has applied or will apply for

** If applicable

Getting Help

• If you need help filling out the FAFSA form, use these free tools:
• In the online FAFSA form, select the blue and white question mark icon next to a FAFSA question to view a "tool tip" that provides information about how to answer that question.
• In the online FAFSA form, the tool tip may have a “More Help” link for additional information. You also can select the “Help” button at the bottom of the tool tip to reach the “FAFSA Help” page, where you can browse FAQs, search for more information, or click on “Contact Us.”
• Once you click on “Contact Us,” you’ll have the option of emailing us with your question or, during business hours, chatting (in English or Spanish) with live technical support staff. (In the myStudentAid mobile app, you can find the contact information via the “hamburger menu”—the three parallel lines at the top right of the screen.)
• Contact the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend.

FAFSA Helpline