Applying For Financial Aid - What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
The FAFSA is a Federal form which determines a student’s eligibility for Federal aid. Based on the information provided, dependency status will be determined as well as the Expected Family Contribution. Both of these items will be used to determine aid eligibility. This information is determined by the Federal Processing Center.
For helpful information and easy, step-by-step guidance through the FAFSA process visit their website at www.fafsa.gov.
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You may file the FAFSA any time after January 1.
Priority consideration for all Federal aid is given to those who file prior to March 1.
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You do not have to wait until you file your taxes to file the FAFSA.
You can file the FAFSA with estimated information in order to still be considered for priority aid.
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You must file the FAFSA every year.
You may be asked to provide additional documentation which could delay your award if you do not respond by the due date. This documentation request will appear on your To Do List on MaineStreet.
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FAFSA on the Web
We recommend that you file using FAFSA on the Web. FAFSA on the Web allows you to enter information electronically and submit your application directly to the Federal Processing Center. If you applied last year, certain information can be pre-filled from last year’s application as long as you have a PIN.
The FAFSA on the Web now has the new IRS Data Retrieval Tool that allows students and parent applicants to upload their tax information into the FAFSA application, directly from the IRS website. This tool will be available to student applicants and parents, who have filed their 2012 taxes, beginning February 3, 2013.
FAFSA on the Web also allows you to download a worksheet to complete ahead of time. This will help you know what information is going to be required on the FAFSA and allows you to gather the information ahead of time. You may also get this worksheet at the Office of Student Financial Aid and at Fogler Library.
If you wish to file a paper FAFSA, contact the Department of Education at 1-800-433-3243 and request that one be sent to you.
Be sure to list The University of Maine on your application so that we receive your application data. The FAFSA will not be sent to us unless you list us on your application.
The University of Maine School Code
002053
After Filing the FAFSA
Once you submit your FAFSA on the Web you will be given a confirmation number. Keep this for your records. After successfully submitting the FAFSA, you will be sent your Student Aid Report (SAR). You can check the status of your application by going to the FAFSA on the Web home page and selecting “Check Status of Submitted FAFSA or Print Signature Page” from the FAFSA Follow-up section or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) and ask if Federal Student Aid has your FAFSA on file.*
Additionally, you will be able to see that your FAFSA has been sent to the University of Maine by checking the “Releases & Signatures” section on your Student Aid Report or by using your MaineStreet Student Center and clicking on “FAFSA Status.”
Next to What is a PIN and How Do I Get One?
Previous to How Do I Apply for Financial Aid?
*Source: www.fafsa.gov