Steps for Filing Your FAFSA

Step 1 – Get a PIN number for both parent(s) and student

• The PIN number allows you to electronically sign your FAFSA. It is a four digit number that you can either pick or have randomly assigned.

• To get a PIN number you will need the following for both parent(s) and student a social security number, date of birth, and email address.

• Students can obtain a PIN without their parent.  This process does not have to be done at the same time.

• To get a PIN go to www.pin.ed.gov

• All males age 18-25 must also register with the selective service before the FAFSA can be filed.  Go to www.sss.gov for more information.

• Your parent(s) could possibly already have a PIN if you have an older sibling in college.  If they already have a PIN they will not need to get a new one, they will use their existing PIN for you and your siblings FAFSA.

Step 2 – Gather the documents needed to file your FAFSA for both parent(s) and student

• Social Security number
• Driver’s License
• 2012 W-2 forms *
• 2012 Federal Income Tax Return*
• All untaxed income records which include Veterans benefits, child support, and worker’s compensation.
• Current savings/checking account statement
• Business, farm or investment records

Step 3 – Print and fill out the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet

*This step is optional. You can file your FAFSA without using this worksheet*

• Go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov to print off a copy of the FAFSA worksheet

• Remember… the FAFSA on the Web worksheet is not the FAFSA, completing it will not replace the FAFSA.

Step 4 – Complete the 2013-2014 FAFSA on the web

• Check with your school of choice to find out their priority filing deadline.  Each school is different.

• It is my suggestion to file your FAFSA no later than February 15th (Remember….some school’s deadlines will be later, but no Ohio schools are earlier).

• Corrections or re-submissions must be completed before aid will be dispersed to the college of your choice. Make your corrections ASAP!

 
*If 2012 tax information is not available, use 2011 tax information as an estimate.  After the 2012 tax information is obtained, make corrections on your FAFSA.*

**The FAFSA is absolutely free.  DO NOT pay to complete or pay someone else to help you complete the FAFSA. Make sure you are using the government (.gov) site and not the commercial (.com) site.**

*** If you are under 24 years of age and have no dependents (children) of your own, you will need to use your parent’s information on the FAFSA.  The exceptions to this rule are: emancipation, deceased parents(both), homeless, or in legal guardianship.***

****As always, if you need help, more information, or a computer to fill out your FAFSA contact Mrs. Rogge and set up a time to come ****

***** New to the FAFSA this year is the IRS Retrieval Tool.  It should be used whenever possible (either for initial FAFSA or for corrections).  Using this tool will eliminate the need for an IRS tax transcript during the verification process.  Remember: 50% or more of the FAFSA’s filed get chose for verification.  ****

College Goal Sunday

Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 2:00 PM

• Get free, on-site professional assistance completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

• Talk to financial aid professionals about financial aid resources and how to apply

• Get information regarding state-wide student services, admission requirements, and more

College Goal Sunday locations near us:

Northwest State                                          Wright State University                                      Allen County YMCA
Community College                                    Lake Campus                                                          Annex Building
22600 State Route 34                                      7600 Lake Campus Drive                                     136 South West Street
Archbold, Ohio 43502                                     Celina, OH 45822                                                     Lima, OH 45801
Site Coordinator:Carling Belknap                Site Coordinator:Gretchen Rentz                         Site Coordinator:Angela Meyer

Go to http://www.ohiocollegegoalsunday.org for more information and more sites around Ohio.

 Helpful Websites

• www.studentaid.ed.gov - your source for free information from the US Department of Education on preparing for and funding college education.

• www.college.gov – information for parents and students on the importance of a college education and how to get there.

• www.knowhow2go.org – information and steps for all grade levels on how to prepare for post-secondary education.

• www.ed.gov – information on Pell grants and other financial aid opportunities.

• https://fafsa.ed.gov/FAFSA/app/f4cForm?execution=e2s1 - FAFSA4caster will help you understand your options for paying for college.  You provide some basic information and the FAFSA4caster will estimate your eligibility for federal student aid.

• http://students.ohiohighered.org/paying/FAFSA - helpful videos with tips and advice for filing out and filing your FAFSA.

• http://www.studentloannetwork.com/ - Information about loans including interest rates, repayment, alternatives and alternatives to traditional student loans.