FAFSA completion may seem overwhelming, however with the right preparation it can be easy! The State University Of New York (SUNY) urges students to apply for financial aid when they apply to SUNY colleges to lay the groundwork for a future free of student debt. SUNY is proud to be a national leader in financial aid transparency, ensuring that families have access to tools and resources needed to help lower the cost of tuition.
The purpose of this guide is to prepare students and their families for the FAFSA process so they can complete the form with ease.
FAFSA Guide: FSA ID
What is an FSA ID?
Creating a StudentAid.gov account is the first step to applying for financial aid through the FAFSA. The FSA ID is the username and password combination you choose as your login for the account.
What Else Do You Need to Create an Account?
When you create your FSA account, you will be asked to provide a phone number and email address for two-step verification. Make sure to use a permanent, personal email address to ensure future access. Personal information such as full legal name, date of birth, address, and Social Security Number will be required, as the StudentAid.gov account will contain sensitive legal documents. Having this information readily available will enable you to create an account and FSA ID quickly and easily.
Who Needs an FSA ID?
The student will need to create an FSA ID and StudentAid.gov account, but they are not the only ones. If the student is under the age of 24, they will need at least one parent to create a separate account and unique FSA ID. Accounts can’t be shared, and parents will need to complete their section of the FAFSA form through their own account.
FAFSA Guide: What Materials Should I Gather to Complete the FAFSA Form?
The FAFSA form requires a variety of legal documents and personal information for completion. Below is a list of information you can start collecting prior to starting the form to avoid delays (if applicable):
- Tax Returns
- Child Support Records
- Cash Balances
- Checking/Savings Accounts
- Net Worth of Investments, Businesses, etc.
- Full Name, DOB, Social Security Number, and Email of the contributor/parent
Find Support at SUNY
SUNY offers multiple Financial Aid Sessions including Completion Workshops and Information Sessions in English and Spanish. These sessions provide expert guidance regarding the cost of attendance and types of aid, as well as preparing for and completing the FAFSA. Whether this is your first or third time completing the application, SUNY wants you to be aware of all your options and any changes to the FAFSA.
References:
youtube.com/watch?v=iTb7hMVtzco&t=178s
youtube.com/watch?v=IpjwM6zzdPc
studentaid.gov/resources/prepare-for-college/creating-your-account
