FAFSA Tips and FAQ
We have compiled a list of top 10 FAFSA tips and FAQ to help you through the FAFSA process.
10 FAFSA Tips
1. Renew your application each aid year, and complete the FAFSA for the correct aid year.
You must submit a new FAFSA each aid year at StudentAid.gov in order for UWF to determine your financial aid eligibility for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Verify that you are completing the FAFSA for the correct aid year when filling it out.
2. Supply the correct personal information.
Ensure that your name, birthdate, and Social Security number are correct on your FSA account and on your FAFSA application. This personally identifiable information will need to match what you have on file with the Social Security Administration.
3. Save your FSA login information.
FSA account information will be needed each year when a FAFSA application is completed, so keep this information in a secure and safe place that you will remember.
4. Read definitions carefully.
Take your time and be sure to read all definitions thoroughly before answering any questions on the FAFSA application. Misinterpreting language could lead to errors, resulting in an incorrect allotment of funds or potentially delaying your application process altogether. Understanding words like "dependent," "independent," and "net worth" could assist in reducing the time it takes to complete your application.
5. Do not leave any blank fields.
Too many blanks may cause miscalculations and an application rejection. Enter a '0' or 'not applicable' instead of leaving a blank.
6. Sign the FAFSA and give consent.
Students and the contributors must sign the FAFSA application and give consent. Failure to do so will cause delays with the processing of your form and could also delay the receipt of your financial aid package.
7. Complete the form by the federal and institutional priority deadlines.
Ensure that your FAFSA application is completed by the federal deadline and our institutional priority deadline in order to in order to maximize aid consideration. You must be admitted to UWF for financial aid consideration.
8. List UWF as your institution.
Make sure to add UWF as an institution on your FAFSA to ensure that our office receives your financial aid information. The UWF School Code is 003955. You may add up to 20 institutions on your FAFSA.
9. Don't assume that there are income requirements for all aid.
Income is not always a factor for financial aid eligibility. You will need to show exceptional financial need in order to qualify for need-based aid, like a Pell Grant, but you or your family's income isn't a factor when applying for direct unsubsidized federal loans. State and institutional aid do not always have the same exceptional financial need threshold, and merit-based scholarships are not typically based on income.
10. Check your FAFSA Submission Summary.
After your FAFSA form is submitted and processed, you can access your FAFSA Submission Summary—an electronic or paper document that summarizes the information you reported on your FAFSA form. It includes your estimated eligibility for federal student aid, among other important items. Review your FAFSA Submission Summary to ensure that all information reflected is accurate.
FAFSA FAQ
Frequently asked questions and answers about the FAFSA.
Yes. In order for our office to update your financial aid package appropriately, you want to make sure that your grade level is updated on your FAFSA before beginning your degree at a different level. Your initial FAFSA application should reflect that you are pursuing your bachelor’s degree. Then you may update your FAFSA to reflect that you will be a graduate student toward the end of the semester before you graduate with your bachelor’s degree. Once your correction is submitted on your FAFSA, please reach out to our office so that we can appropriately update your financial aid package.
Filing taxes is not a requirement for completing the FAFSA. However, if you or your contributor’s earned income is above the tax threshold required to file taxes for the tax year needed on the FAFSA, taxes must be filed for that tax year before financial aid eligibility can be determined. If it is determined that taxes need to be filed for the tax year utilized on the FAFSA, we recommend waiting to complete the FAFSA until taxes have been filed. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships are not tax professionals. If you believe you or your parents meet an exception to not file taxes, we recommend speaking with a tax professional to confirm.
If your parents are married and living together, the only appropriate tax filing status is “Married Filing Jointly” or “Married Filing Separately." The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships are not tax professionals. If you believe your parents are permitted to file as "Head of Household," we recommend speaking with a tax professional to confirm.
You or your parent(s) should enter any college grant and/or scholarship aid reported as income to the IRS for the tax year utilized on the FAFSA. This amount can be located on you or your contributor’s 1040 form for the appropriate tax year.
It depends. The FAFSA is considered a “snapshot” of the family’s financial situation as of that date, so a student shouldn't update information that was correct as of the date the application was signed. However, if the update in marital status would potentially increase your financial aid eligibility, you are permitted to make this update. If you're unsure about how updating your marital status will affect your financial aid eligibility, we recommend reaching out to our office.
Note: If you update your marital status, our office may request additional documentation, including a marriage certificate or your spouse’s tax information.
A change in marital status would not result in a change in your dependency status, and in the majority of cases, would negatively impact your financial aid eligibility. It is recommended to not update your marital status in this instance. For more information about your financial aid eligibility, we recommend reaching out to our office.
Your name, Social Security number, and birthdate on your FAFSA should match what is on file with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Once you update your information with the SSA, you should update your StudentAid.gov account. Be sure to update your FAFSA with this information by selecting “Make a Correction” within your application. This information should also be updated with UWF by submitting a “Student Data Change Form” in MyUWF.
No. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the FAFSA is considered to be a “snapshot” of the family’s financial situation as of the date the FAFSA was submitted. The parents cannot update their marital status or income and asset data after the FAFSA is filed.
Beginning with the 2024-2025 aid year, students who are separated from their spouse (and are not otherwise independent) should select “separated.” They will be considered dependent students for FAFSA purposes.