Learn how to navigate the verification process if the federal government selects you for verification.
WHAT IS VERIFICATION?
Verification is a federal financial aid process that ensures the information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is correct. If you’ve been selected for FAFSA verification, don’t worry—it doesn’t mean you’ve made a mistake. This is a routine part of the financial aid process every year for many students across the country.
You may be selected for verification because:
-
- Your FAFSA was randomly selected by The Department of Education
- FAFSA submitted was incomplete
- FAFSA submitted contains estimated information
- Data you provided on the FAFSA is inconsistent
This is your opportunity to make sure your information is correct.
What does Financial Aid Verification mean?
https://youtu.be/lWVaNzIJ4pY
The verification process involves submitting documents such as tax transcripts and W-2 forms so the financial aid office at your college can see that the information on these documents matches your FAFSA application. Providing the documentation your school asks for by the school’s deadline ensures you will receive federal student aid you’ve been awarded. Colleges are required to resolve outstanding verification items.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR VERIFICATION?
If your FAFSA has been selected for verification, each college will reach out to you directly with instructions on how to complete the process. Check your mail, email, and college portal regularly for verification-related requests. If you’ve applied to more than one college, you’ll have to do the verification process separately for each college.
Your FAFSA Submission Summary is a summary of the information you reported on the FAFSA, and it can tell you if you’ve been selected for verification. If you see a red exclamation mark on the next steps tab, check to see if it lists being selected for verification. If verification is listed, keep an eye out for communications from your college about next steps in the process.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT TO COMPLETE VERIFICATION?
Some of the documentation you may need to provide in the verification process for you and your parents (if applicable) are:
- Signed and dated copy of yours, and your spouse's IRS Tax Return (Form 1040 and Schedules 1, 2, & 3)
- W2 forms or IRS wage and income statement for: you, and your spouse
- Signed and dated copy of your parent(s) IRS Tax Return (Form 1040 and Schedules 1, 2, & 3) (if you are a dependent student)
- W2 forms or IRS wage and income statement for your parent(s) (if you are a dependent student)
- An IRS verification letter of non-filing for you and/or your spouse
- An IRS verification letter of non-filing for your parent(s) (if you are a dependent student)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Copy of permanent resident card (front and back)
- Proof of registration with Selective Service
- Copy of Social Security card
- Copy Birth Certificate
- Copy of Marriage Certificate
- Copy of Divorce Decree
In some cases, once the verification worksheet and documentation have been received and reviewed you may be asked to provide additional documentation. If this occurs, please provide the requested documentation as soon as possible. It is the student's responsibility to check their requirements and submit all documentation to the Financial Aid Office in a timely manner. Do not wait to submit your documents as it can delay your financial aid eligibility.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I SUBMIT MY VERIFICATION DOCUMENTS?
It is important to check your email or text messages from the school for additional document requests once you have submitted your documents. If you submitted a document that is incomplete or incorrect, you will receive an email explaining what action needs to be taken. It is possible that the financial aid office may ask you for additional documentation. It is important to monitor your email and text messages from the school until the financial aid process is complete. Also, it is important to submit your documents as early as possible. The entire verification process can take some time. This process could take longer during peak processing times, so please plan to complete your verification early
TIPS FOR VERIFICATION
Begin the process early
Submit your documents as soon as possible. Verification can be a lengthy process for some students. Completing verification is required before aid can be determined.
Avoid providing conflicting information
Reporting conflicting information on your FAFSA may increase your chances of being selected for verification. Make sure you provide complete and correct information on your FAFSA.
- Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool within the FAFSA to transfer your and your parent’s tax info directly into the FAFSA.
- Double-check your or your parent's (if dependent) social security numbers
- If you, your spouse (if married), or parents (if dependent) worked in the year being requested, make sure you list all income, earnings, and wages.
- Include any untaxed income and additional financial information. This is especially important when you list zero income.
- Make sure your parents sign the FAFSA (if dependent).
- Once you submit your FAFSA minimize making changes, as this could cause your application to be selected for verification.
Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool
If you qualify to transfer your tax information directly into the FAFSA you may not need to provide tax documents to the college.