What Happens If I Forget to Enter the Adjusted Gross Income on My FAFSA?
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the standard application for federal student scholarships, grants and loans provided by the U.S. Department of Education. Colleges, universities and trade schools also use the FAFSA for determining student eligibility for state and local scholarships, grants and loan programs. The FAFSA can be filed electronically (online) or via paper copy and standard mail. Sending the FAFSA online can prevent errors, like forgetting to enter your adjusted gross income, and problems with lost or delayed mail. Your school's financial aid department can assist with filling out the FAFSA form, as well.
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FAFSA Financial Information
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The FAFSA requires information about your income, and if you're under age 24, your parents' income. Failing to provide requested information delays the processing of your FAFSA and may lead to a loss of priority in qualifying for financial assistance. More requests are made for financial aid than there are funds available, so preparing and filling out your FAFSA early increases your chances of qualifying for maximum financial aid. The FAFSA is used for qualifying students for scholarships, grants and federal student loans. State and local financial aid providers frequently have earlier deadlines than federal programs; delays in submitting your FAFSA may render you ineligible for these financial aid programs.
FAFSA Notification of Application Status for Online Applications
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You can check the status of your FAFSA online 24 hours after submitting it. Go to the FAFSA website, click "Start Here," log in with your name, Social Security number and date of birth. Click "Next," and view your processed information. Filing online allows you to add your adjusted gross income, or make any other additions or corrections, to your FAFSA and resubmit it using the interactive function of your online FAFSA application. If you supplied an e-mail address with your online FAFSA application, you will receive an e-mail notifying your of your application status within three to five days. If you did not supply an e-mail address with your FAFSA submission, traditional mail notification takes two to three weeks..
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FAFSA Notification of Application Status for Paper Applications
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Check the status of your application by calling 1-800-433-3243 a few days after mailing it. If you don't call to check the status of your application, FAFSA will notify you within two to three weeks by mail of your application status. You can file an amended FAFSA form for corrections or adding your adjusted gross income or other information you forgot to include. Preparing, submitting and amending your FAFSA by mail takes longer than submitting it online. If you don't have access to a computer, visit your school's financial aid department for assistance and instructions for submitting your FAFSA online.
Getting Help With Completing and Submitting Your FAFSA
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Work with your parents when filing your FAFSA. They can help with providing required financial information and can provide a "second pair of eyes" for reviewing and correcting information on your FAFSA before submitting it. Keep a file of all information used for completing your FAFSA (tax returns, financial information, school codes and a copy of the FAFSA form). The school or schools indicated on your FAFSA will also be notified of your application status and award status; receiving financial awards depends on meeting eligibility requirements and timely application for assistance. Financial aid is typically awarded on a first-come, first-served basis from the pool of eligible candidates.
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