FAFSA Regulations

FAFSA is a starting point for federal student aid

FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the application process to receive federal grants and loans, including the Pell Grant. The process is not complicated, although you will need a recent tax return. The federal deadline for applications is June 30, but state deadlines are usually much earlier.

Eligibility

U.S. citizens or aliens with resident status are eligible to submit FAFSA. You will need your Social Security number or your Alien Registration number, and males between the ages of 18 and 25 must register with Selective Service.

Tax Information

Students who are not dependents of anyone else must submit their previous year's tax return. You can determine your dependency status by filling out the online worksheet provided by FAFSA (see Resources). If you are a dependent, your parent or guardian will also have to supply the tax information.

Drug Convictions

Students who have a criminal record for possessing or selling drugs (other than alcohol and tobacco) are ineligible for FAFSA-related funds. This only applies if the conviction occurred while the student was receiving funds. If the conviction was removed from the student's criminal record, it need not be reported.

References

• Federal Student Aid: FAFSA
• Federal Student Aid: FAQs: Eligibility
• Federal Student Aid: FAQs: Applying for Aid

Resources

• Federal Student Aid: FAQs
• Federal Student Aid: Dependency Status Worksheet