Why did FAFSA select me for verification?

Verification is a process that the U.S. Department of Education uses to make sure that the information reported on the FAFSA is accurate. Some FAFSA applications are selected because of inconsistent information, and others are chosen randomly.

Why am I being asked to verify my FAFSA?

Verification is a step toward ensuring you're reporting the most accurate information on your FAFSA to receive the most financial aid possible.

What happens if you don't verify your FAFSA?

If you can't or don't provide this information to the school when asked, the student may not receive federal student aid. If the student receives federal student aid based on incorrect or fraudulent information, they'll have to pay it back. You may also have to pay fines and fees.

How many students are selected for verification?

After you submit your FAFSA or CA DREAM ACT APPLICATION, you may be asked to submit more documents. This process is verification and 20% of students get selected, so you are not alone! Check your MyUCLA portal to see the status of any document requests. Please do NOT submit additional documents unless we ask.

Why do people get selected for verification?

It's a process to confirm that the information on the FAFSA you submitted is an accurate snapshot of your finances. You were probably chosen at random, like the vast majority of those selected, or your school may have asked to have your information verified.

FAFSA Verification: What to Do if You're Selected

How are students notified they are selected for verification?

Either your college will notify you, or you'll learn from your Student Aid Report, which comes from the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid (FSA) office after you submit the FAFSA. Being selected for FAFSA verification doesn't mean you did anything wrong or have a reason to be concerned.

Is lying on FAFSA a felony?

Lying on your FAFSA^® is considered fraud and it is deemed a felony and could result in up to 5 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.

How long is the FAFSA verification process?

How long does the verification process take? Verification processing time is generally two to three weeks during peak season (June-October), and one to two weeks during non-peak season (November-May). Therefore, students should start the process as soon as possible.

Why are students selected for v4 verification?

Students selected for verification are not being punished; rather verification prevents ineligible students from receiving aid by reporting false information and ensures that eligible students receive all the aid for which they qualify.

Does everyone get selected for FAFSA verification?

The U.S. Department of Education selects around 25 percent of all filers for verification. Your FAFSA being selected for verification may not be a problem. Sometimes, it can happen randomly or your school may want to verify all forms. Follow the instructions you receive to make the process as smooth as possible.

How often do FAFSA get audited?

The FAFSA is required for federal loans and grants, as well as aid awarded by states, colleges, and some scholarship programs. Still, 1 out of 3 FAFSA applications are selected each year for verification, an audit-like process to prove the information you provided is correct.

Does FAFSA check with IRS?

Students who still need to complete a FAFSA form for the 2023-2024 academic year before the deadline on June 30, 2024, will be directed to the IRS Direct Retrieval Tool (DRT) to get income information from their 2021 tax return. They may be asked to provide a tax transcript.

What is a FAFSA warning?

What is Financial Aid Warning? Financial Aid Warning is a status assigned if you were previously meeting SAP policy standards, however at the last SAP review, you failed to make satisfactory academic progress.

Why does a FAFSA get rejected?

There are a few common reasons why the Federal Processor will reject an application: Missing signatures, inconsistent marital status with income, taxes paid are equal to or higher than adjusted gross income, citizenship questions are blank, marital status and family members blank, etc.

Do people go to jail for lying on FAFSA?

If someone purposefully lies on the FAFSA^®, they're committing student fraud . Intentionally lying on the FAFSA^® is a serious crime that the U.S. government can punish with fines of up to $20,000, a prison sentence, or both, according to Federal Student Aid .

Does the FAFSA check your bank accounts?

Students selected for verification of their FAFSA form may wonder, “Does FAFSA check your bank accounts?” FAFSA does not directly view the student's or parent's bank accounts.

Can you be banned from FAFSA?

Financial Aid Suspension is a status assigned if you fail to meet the minimum SAP policy requirements. Your financial aid will be terminated or suspended until you meet the minimum satisfactory academic progress standards or win an appeal.

Can FAFSA audit you?

The financial aid “verification process”—an audit in all but name—is brutal for all involved. Students and their families must submit reams of documents detailing their financial information. Financial aid officers must review those documents line by line to ensure that everything matches the FAFSA.

What is candidate verification?

Employment verification is the process of confirming a job candidate's past work history. Doing so ensures the candidate has the experience necessary to perform the intended job well. Employment verification can also reveal false employment claims, gaps in employment, or fabrication of job titles.

How does FAFSA verify assets?

If you are selected for FAFSA verification, you will be asked to provide more documentation. This verification request can come from the school you will be attending (school-requested verification) or from the U.S. Department of Education. Verification could be financial, identity or statement related.

How accurate does the FAFSA have to be?

In past years, the U.S. Department of Education has asked schools to verify a random 30% of their FAFSA applications. Some choose to verify 100%, while others stick to the 30% range. Regardless, your chances of being audited are good enough that you will likely get caught lying on your FAFSA.

How long does requesting verification take?

Once we review your request, you'll receive a notification in Activity up to 30 days after applying letting you know if your account has been verified or not. You can tap in the top right to see notifications in Activity. If your request is denied, you can submit a new request again in 30 days.

Am I screwed if I miss the FAFSA deadline?

Some states and colleges continue to award aid to FAFSA latecomers, but your chances get much slimmer, and the payout is often lower. If you miss the end-of-June federal deadline, you're no longer eligible to submit that year's FAFSA form. Did we mention you shouldn't miss the deadlines?

Does FAFSA check what you buy?

The financial aid office does not know what you spend the money on. But you do sign a "statement of educational purpose" when you file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). So, you have agreed to spend it on expenses related to your enrollment in college.