How to complete a FAFSA application.By Jessica Alanis

Introduction

0 In this tutorial I will be reviewing the current FAFSA instructions, form, and rules for filling out the form, and simplifying the process to make it easier for the reader, as the Government supplied instructions can be very difficult to understand for a first time applicant.

0Each step will be followed with an image to further help you understand the application process.

Before you get started…

0 Driver license or state I.D.

0 Social Security card0 W-2 Forms and other

records of money earned

0 Parents' Federal Income Tax Return (for dependent students)

0 Untaxed income records :0 Social Security0 Temporary Assistance to

Needy Families 0 Welfare0 Veterans benefits records

0 Current bank statements0 Alien registration or

permanent residence card (if you are not a U.S. citizen).

You will need to gather the following documents to provide for your application. According to the FAFSA website, you need:

Visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov and click on the orange “Start Here” Button

Enter your following information *notice you are under Student.

The small keyboard icon next to Social Security Number and date of birth is to further help prevent identity theft in case you’re not using your own computer.

Create a password and pin. Be sure to save this information as it will be your login information.

Fill out the Student Demographic Information.If you have completed a FAFSA electronically before, these answers may be pre-

filled. Be sure they are correct.

School Selection. Type in the name of your school and provide your school code.

Dependency Status. Here are the criteria for whom the Department of Education classifies as an independent student. If you do not meet any of these criteria,

then you are classified as a dependent student. Please review the following:

0 You are at least 24 years old on the day you file your FAFSA0 You are or will be enrolled in a masters or Doctoral degree program at the beginning of the

school year0 You are married on the day you file your FAFSA0 You are a parent0 You have dependents other than your spouse who live with you and who receive more than

half their support from you at the time you apply0 Both your parents are deceased (or were until age 18) a ward of dependent of the court0 You are currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than

training0 You're a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces0 You were a foster child after the age of 130 You are an emancipated child as determined by a court judge0 You are homeless or at risk of homelessness as determined by the director of a HUD

approved homeless shelter, transitional program, or high school liaison

Answer the series of yes or no questions. The following with determine your dependency status

according to FAFSA.

If you are considered dependent, you will have to provide parental information under the Parent Demographics tab. If you are considered independent, you will have to provide your own financial information. *If you are classified as dependent, but cannot require parental information, you can submit your application without parental

information under special circumstances.

Student financial information. Fill out your financial information after your dependency status has been

determined.

Grant Eligibility.

0Once you are done completing your financial information, you will be presented with federal grants you are eligible for . If you do not qualify for any grants, you will be forwarded to the Sign & Submit tab.

Sign and complete your FAFSA. Sign with your pin along with your parent if you are a dependent student.

FAFSA completed.  Review the initial estimate of your financial aid eligibility. PRINT THIS PAGE FOR YOUR RECORDS.

Conclusion.

0Now that you have completed reading the instructions you can get started on your FAFSA application here! Be sure to come back to these instructions to get a better understanding of each step.

*some screen shots were provided by Flickr.