Why is my FAFSA under 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.

How long does it take for FAFSA verification?

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.

What to do if FAFSA is flagged for verification?

In most cases, due to the IRS Data Retrieval Tool for the 2023–24 FAFSA form, you won't have to verify income and tax information. However, if you are selected for verification, the school may ask you to submit a tax transcript or other documentation to confirm the information you reported.

What does it mean when FAFSA asks for verification?

Verification is a federal financial aid process that ensures the information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is correct. If you've been selected for FAFSA verification, don't worry—it doesn't mean you've made a mistake.

What does flagged for verification mean?

Why do people get selected for verification? There are a variety of reasons students have their FAFSA flagged for verification, including random selection, applying to a college that verifies all students, to protect against identity theft, or most commonly, there was a mistake on your FAFSA that needs clarification.

The FAFSA and Verification: What Does it Mean?

What happens if you fail FAFSA verification?

If students fail to complete verification, they may fail to receive federal aid and, in some cases, also become ineligible for institutional or state aid.

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.

Why can't FAFSA verify my identity?

Call FSAIC at 1-800-433-3243. A customer service representative will initiate the identity verification process with you. The representative will send you an email with a case number and instructions for providing the proper form and documentation to verify your identity.

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.

How many warnings does FAFSA give you?

You can only be granted a 'warning' status for one semester. You are not allowed to receive consecutive “warning” semesters of financial aid.

Does FAFSA verification ask for bank statements?

Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable), net worth of investments, businesses, and farms. Records of untaxed income (if applicable) An FSA ID (account username and password) to log in to StudentAid.gov and start the FAFSA form electronically.

What happens if you fail to meet the deadline for verification?

A student who fails to submit a copy of the filed tax return or alternative documents before the documentation deadline is ineligible for FSA funds and is required to repay any aid disbursed.

How do I call FAFSA to confirm my identity?

Call FSAIC to confirm your identity at 1-800-4-FEDAID (1-800-433-3243).

Does anyone get denied FAFSA?

According to the office of federal student aid, some applications can be denied because applicants did not meet the basic eligibility requirements. These include: Having demonstrated financial need for need-based federal student aid programs. Being a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.

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.

What is the most common mistake made on the FAFSA?

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.

Is FAFSA verification bad?

Don't Panic

If you're selected for verification, don't be alarmed. "You didn't do anything wrong," Keller says. "The federal government has certain formulas that decide who they select and one of the formulas is random." A higher percentage of low-income students are typically selected for verification.

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?

Why would my FAFSA be 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.

Can the FAFSA check your bank account?

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.

Should I empty my bank account before FAFSA?

Your bank account does have a minimal impact on FAFSA. If you drain the account to hide assets you are committing fraud. The FAFSA is an application and asks for asset information beyond cash. For almost all applicants the results are driven by income and requires IRS validation.

Does parents money in the bank affect FAFSA?

The FAFSA formula assesses relevant parent assets at a maximum of 5.64%. The federal formula assesses child assets, which would include all custodial accounts as well as a child's own savings/checking, at 20%.

Can submitting FAFSA hurt your chances?

It is usually only borderline students for whom the need for financial aid may negatively affect the chance of admission. Finally, simply applying for financial aid is often not enough to hurt admissions chances.