If your FAFSA was selected for verification, don't panic! Being selected for verification does not mean you are suspected of doing something wrong. There are a variety of different reasons someone's FAFSA could be selected for verification. Here's what you need to know if this happens to you and how to proceed!

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What is FAFSA verification?

The U.S. Department of Education oversees the FAFSA process. One part of that process is called verification. Verification is the process that the Department of Education and your college use to confirm that the information reported on your FAFSA was accurate. You will know you were selected for verification if:

• It's noted directly on your FAFSA Submission Summary, or 
• Your college(s) reach out directly saying you have been selected

Why do people get selected for verification?

There are a variety of reasons students have their FAFSA selected 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 fixing. It’s important to remember that being selected for verification doesn’t mean that you did anything wrong! Verification is a step toward ensuring you’re reporting the most accurate information on your FAFSA to receive the most financial aid possible. Remember, when making corrections or updates to your FAFSA, you will need to sign in using your StudentAid.gov account. Your parents (or other contributors, if applicable) cannot sign in and make changes for you. 

Overall, there are five main items to be verified 

1. Tax and financial information
2. Household size and/or proof that someone else from your household is enrolled in college
3. Proof of enrollment
4. Amount of child support received (if applicable)
5. High school completion or identity

How to complete FAFSA verification

The Department of Education and your college will provide you with instructions on what documents you’ll need to submit. Usually, you will be asked to submit one or more of the following: a verification worksheet, tax information (IRS Tax Return Transcript can be requested through the IRS website), or a verification of a non-filing letter from the IRS if you are an independent student who did not file a federal tax return. Your school must provide the following to you in a timely manner if you're selected for verification:

• A clear explanation of the process.
• A list of documents you need to submit.
• Verification deadline and the consequences of not meeting it.

How long do I have to fix a verification flag?

The time when you are asked to submit additional documentation for verification will vary based on the college and/or the reason for verification. Be sure to keep track of deadlines, which will be clearly stated on your notice of verification, since a college won’t be able to offer you financial aid if you miss their deadline. If you are struggling to find requested information and might miss the deadline, contact the financial aid office ahead of time to request an extension. Keep in mind that an extension may not be guaranteed, but it’s still worth it to ask anyway. If not, you must submit documentation by the deadline stated. 

After the financial aid office reviews the documents you submitted and verification is complete, be sure to check your financial aid package to see if there are any changes as a result of verification. The most important tip here is to be proactive! As soon as you see that you need to provide additional information, be sure to talk to the contributors to your FAFSA to address the issue as soon as possible.

Have any questions about the FAFSA or FAFSA verification? Text #FAFSA to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our advisors. If you're using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!