Annual Checkup: Preparing to Resubmit the FAFSA
Completing the FAFSA is not a one-time task for most students. If you plan to attend college next year and want to be considered for financial aid, you need to submit the FAFSA for each academic year. Taking a few steps before the FAFSA opens may help make the process easier and could help you avoid delays.
Why Do You Need to Renew the FAFSA?
Financial situations can change from year to year. Because of this, schools often use a new FAFSA to review a student’s eligibility for financial aid each academic year. Even if you completed the FAFSA last year, you may still need to submit a new application for the upcoming year.
What Should You Have Ready?
Before you begin, take a few minutes to make sure your information is up to date and that you can access your FSA account.
Consider reviewing the following before starting the FAFSA:
- Your mailing address, email address, and phone number
- Your StudentAid.gov account username and password
- Access to any contributor accounts you may need
- Tax information and income records
If you cannot access your StudentAid.gov account, it will be helpful to recover your username or password. Having your information ready ahead of time may help make the FAFSA process easier and reduce delays.
Check for Changes
Life changes can affect the information reported on the FAFSA. Before completing the form, review any updates that may apply to your situation. For example, changes in household size or other personal information may affect how you answer FAFSA questions. Read each question carefully and answer based on your current situation and FAFSA instructions.
Watch Deadlines
FAFSA deadlines can vary. In addition to federal deadlines, states and schools may have their own deadlines for certain types of aid. The FAFSA is scheduled to be released on October 1; submitting the FAFSA as early as possible may help ensure that your information is available for schools to review.
The Bottom Line
For many students, the FAFSA is an annual task. Taking time to prepare before you start may help make the process smoother. Gather important information, review your account, and pay attention to deadlines so that you are ready when it is time to submit your FAFSA.
