Learn About FAFSA Applications

You must complete a FAFSA application if you wish to apply for grants and loans in the state educational sector. FAFSA is a free application for federal student aid. The FAFSA application form can be used to apply for financial assistancefrom the federal government, including the Pell Grant, the TEACH Grant and the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG). Continue reading below to find out about how to obtain a FAFSA application form, how to fill out the financial aid paperwork and how to set up an online FAFSA account.

Learn How to Apply for FAFSA

If you’re wondering, “How do I fill out the FAFSA form?” you can complete the application online at the FAFSA website, you can print the PDF form and mail the FAFSA form or you can call the FAFSA toll-free number and have a representative send you the paper FAFSA form to fill out. You can sign up online to get your federal PIN, so that you can log in electronically with safety. If you are a dependent student, then your parents will also be able to sign in to your FAFSA account.

Before you fill out your FAFSA form, complete your income tax return. Your family and you will be able to use your most recent tax information when you fill out your FAFSA. If you are filing your FAFSA application online, then you can transfer the information about your income from the IRS website directly to your FAFSA account, making it quicker and completely accurate. It’s best to fill in your FAFSA application as soon as it becomes available on October 1. This will help you get in front of the line of applicants applying for financial aid, which is beneficial if you are applying for aid that has early deadlines. You will also be able to acquire more information about other financial aid opportunities for which you are eligible, so you can make an informed decision about which educational institutions are best for your financial situation.

If you are wondering how to submit FAFSA applications, they must be sent in between October 1 and March 2 of the year, immediately before the fall term in which you would like to receive your grant. You may submit your CA FAFSA application online or by mail.

To learn more about how to submit FAFSA application, download our comprehensive guide.

Learn How to Set Up Your FAFSA Application Online

Setting up your FAFSAapplication online is easy. Once you start your FAFSA web application, you will set up an account with your email address, a username and a password. You will use this personal information to access all student financial aid programs, including Pell Grants and Carl Perkins loans. Your parents may set up their own accounts if they so choose. If you have already created a FAFSA PIN, you can create a new ID and link it to your existing PIN.

To get your online FAFSA application started, you will need several documents. In order to successfully complete an application for federal student aid, you will need the following information, which includes, but is not limited to:

• Your Alien Registration Number if you are not a citizen of the United States.
• Your Social Security Number.
• Your most recent federal income tax returns.
• Bank information.

To review the full list of information required for your FAFSA application, download our free guide.

If you are a dependent student, then you will also need the same information provided on behalf of your parents or caretakers. If you need help filling in your FAFSA application, then you should talk to your high school counselor or college financial aid advisor. You may also attend a free Cash for College workshop.

Learn About FAFSA Application Deadlines

You must submit your FAFSA application by March 2, 2018. If you are using FAFSA to learn how to apply for a Cal Grant, then you will also need to submit details of your school certified GPA by the same date. For community college Cal Grants, the deadline is September 2, 2018. If you are a noncitizen resident and you have a Social Security Number, then you will need to fill out the Dream Act Application to obtain financial assistance. In this case, you will not need to fill out a FAFSA application. You can find out more information about this by contacting the Student Aid Commission. You should keep copies of all the information you submit with your application by printing your online application form and keeping proof of the date you mailed your form, if applicable. It is also in your best interest to get in touch with the college(s) you are considering attending to get information about their application deadlines, as these may differ from the date your FAFSA is processed.