Tag: FAFSA info

4 Ways to Prepare for the 2024-25 FAFSA

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With the announcement that the 2024-25 FAFSA is delayed until December, many students and families are left wondering if there is anything they can do now to help prepare. The answer to this is yes! In fact, there are many steps you can take to help you prepare to file your FAFSA once it is released. Taking a little time to prepare now will help make sure you are able to file your FAFSA on time and be considered for all of the financial aid opportunities available. 

The following information and resources are available to help you prepare in the next few weeks.

1. Determine Your Classification

Student sitting on floor using laptopDepending on your circumstances, you are classified as an independent or dependent student. It is important to know what type of student you are before you file your FAFSA. If you are an independent student, you will only need to provide personal information for yourself and, if married, your spouse. If you are considered a dependent student, you will need to provide information for yourself and your legal parent(s). 

If you are not sure which type of student you are, review this helpful checklist. 

2. Create an FSA ID

Anyone who needs to fill out the FAFSA (or portions of the FAFSA) will need to create an FSA ID if they do not already have one. If you are a dependent student, at least one of your parents will need to create an FSA ID as well. It will take up to 3 business days for your FSA ID to be processed and approved, so you will want to create your ID before you need to file your FAFSA. To create your FSA ID, please visit studentaid.gov. You will need your:

Young student talking on phone, holding a piece of paper and looking at a computer screen.

    • Social Security number (or alternative identity verification)
    • Full name as it appears on your birth certificate
    • Date of Birth
    • Contact Information (physical address, phone number, and email address)

More detailed information and helpful tips can be found on our FSA ID infographic. You may also consider attending a FAFSA Frenzy: FSA ID Event  for free assistance with setting up your FSA ID. 

3. Collect Important Information

The FAFSA will ask many questions that will require you to provide information about your taxes, wages, and certain assets. If you are a dependent students, you will also need this information for your parent(s). This FAFSA Checklist may be helpful to you as you consider what information you should have available when it is time to fill out the FAFSA. 

4. Identify your Parent/Contributor

mother using a laptop in kitchen with teenagerIf you are a dependent student, you must include information about your parent(s) when you fill out  your FAFSA application. We understand all families are unique – some parents may be divorced, remarried, or you may live with someone other than your parent. So, how do you know whose information you should report? The information offered in this flowchart may help you determine whose information you need. You may also consider reviewing this flowchart developed by Federal Student Aid. 

For more general information and helpful resources, please visit the 2024-2025 FAFSA Information webpage. You may also review our FAFSA Frequently Asked Questions for detailed information about common questions related to the FAFSA and FSA ID. Finally if you are not already we encourage you to follow Journey to College on social media for helpful tips, reminders, and the latest updates. 

FAFSA Delayed in 2023: What to Do Now?

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The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will not be available until sometime in December this year instead of the typical October 1 release. This delay is due to the form undergoing many revisions aimed at making the FAFSA easier to complete and to provide more students with money to attend college.

There are steps you can take now to help you prepare to file your 2024-25 FAFSA this winter. We strongly encourage students and families to use this extra time to learn about the changes and make sure you are ready to fill out the new form when it opens. 

The easiest way to learn about the 2024-25 FAFSA is to take advantage of the resources on our 2024-25 FAFSA information page. There you’ll find easy-to-follow steps and important FAFSA information.

Before the FAFSA opens you first have to create an FSA ID on studentaid.gov if you don’t already have one. Anyone who needs to fill out the FAFSA or portions of the FAFSA will need to create an account. This account will allow you to fill out a FAFSA, sign it, and have it processed in the quickest way possible. It will also allow you to correct any information or prefill your FAFSA form with information from a previous year.

Help with creating an account and preparing for the FAFSA is available during free FAFSA Frenzy: FSA ID events in November and December. Check out the FAFSA Frenzy calendar to find an event near you.

Look ahead to the FAFSA Frenzy events in January, February, and March, when you can get assistance filing the FAFSA and enter to win a $500 Journey to College Scholarship. FAFSA Frenzy events are hosted at high schools, colleges, Missouri Job Centers, and libraries across the state.

When the 2024-25 FAFSA opens, it is important to fill it out the FAFSA as soon as possible because it could earn you more money. In Missouri, there are some deadlines to remember. To be eligible for the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program, you must file your 2024-25 FAFSA by April 1, 2024. Students who qualify for Access Missouri and file before February 1, 2024, are guaranteed to receive an Access Missouri Award. 

Other deadlines to remember are June 30, 2024, the final day to file a FAFSA, and September 14, 2024, the last day to file corrections or updates to your FAFSA. Some colleges and universities have their own deadlines, so make sure you are meeting those as well.

We will continue to post updates and announce the official date the FAFSA will open once it is available. Follow MDHEWD’s social media pages for the latest helpful information and updates.