What is FAFSA Simplification?

FAFSA 2024-25 will open December 2023. The Department of Education, Federal Student Aid (FSA) Division, is working on several changes to make federal aid more accessible for students and families.

To-Do List for 2024-25 FAFSA

 Before you start: 

  • Create or reconfirm your FSA ID. Everyone who needs to provide information on the FAFSA needs an FSA ID. This includes the student, the student's parents or stepparents (if the student is a dependent), and the student's spouse (if applicable). 
  • Gather your tax information. You will need to provide tax information for the student and their parents or stepparents, if applicable. 
Steps to complete the FAFSA: 
  1. Go to studentaid.gov and log in with your FSA ID. 
  2. Complete the Student Section of the FAFSA. 
  3. Indicate any contributors to your FAFSA. This includes your parents or stepparents (if you are a dependent student) and your spouse (if applicable). 
  4. Ask your contributors to create FSA IDs and complete their sections of the FAFSA. 
  5. Review your FAFSA and submit it. 
Tips: 
  • Start early. Some FAFSA funds are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so submitting it as early as possible is best. 
  • Be accurate. Provide complete and accurate information on the FAFSA. Any errors or omissions could delay your application or even make you ineligible for financial aid. 
  • Keep copies of all supporting documents. If selected by Federal Student Aid, you may be asked to provide copies of your tax returns, W-2s, and other documents to verify your information. 
  • Contact us for help if you have any questions about the FAFSA or need assistance completing it.
Additional information on contributors: 
  • If you are a dependent student, you must indicate your parents or stepparents as contributors on the FAFSA. 
  • If your parents are married and filed joint 2022 tax returns, only one parent needs to complete the FAFSA as a contributor. 
  • If your parents are married and filed separate 2022 tax returns, both parents need to complete the FAFSA as contributors. 
  • If your parents are divorced, separated, or never married, the parent who provides the most financial support should complete the FAFSA as a contributor. 
  • If you are married, you must indicate your spouse as a contributor on the FAFSA.  
Federal Student Aid Identification (FSA ID)  Open
Contributors starting FAFSA 2024-25  Open
Consent starting FAFSA 2024-25  Open
Federal Taxes, Assets & Financial Data  Open