​

This year the FAFSA is completely different.

If you have an older sibling who has completed FAFSA in the past, please know that this is a brand new process that is completely different.

What you need to know about this year’s FAFSA:

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is an important step in your college process. Through FAFSA, students have access to federal Pell grants and other financial aid to help make college affordable.

FSA IDs:

Every student applicant and parent who will be contributing information must have a FSA ID. Depending on your family situation, you might need one or two parent contributors. Most students are considered “dependent” on the FAFSA. This means that you rely on your support from one or both of your parents.

Parent Contributors:

This year all parents who are “contributors” on the FAFSA will need an FSA ID. If the parent who financially supports you does not have a FSA ID it is essential that your parent sets one up with Federal Student Aid by following the steps on the studentaid.gov website.

https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

One big change on the new FAFSA is that parents who do not have Social Security numbers will need to create FSA IDs. When setting up their FSA ID they will check the box that says “I do not have a social security number” and they will be asked some questions to verify their identity.

All FSA IDs need to be created at least five (5) days prior to completing your FAFSA.

Get help completeing your FAFSA at one of YPIE's FAFSA Completion Events!

Sign-up for an appointment here!

Prep for Your Appointment:

We will not be able to help you complete your FAFSA if you and your parent contributor do not have FSA IDs.

Who should attend:

• All current high school seniors who will be graduating in 2024

• At least one parent who will contribute information to the student’s FAFSA (See handout)

• If your parent contributor cannot attend we will only be able to help you complete the student portion of the FAFSA

These are the documents that you will need to bring to your appointment.

Here is information about which of your parents will contribute information to your FAFSA and which of your parents will need to create a FSA ID.

Please review the FAFSA Frequently Asked Questions.