Filling out the FAFSA might sound daunting, but it is easy when you come prepared! Here is what information you will need when working on your FAFSA:

  • Your FSA ID & login information (can be set up on the fafsa.gov website)
  • Your parents’ FSA ID & login information (can also be set up at fafsa.gov)
  • Your social security number or alien registration number
  • Your parents’ social security number or alien registration number
    • If your parents do not have a social security number, use all 0’s to fill in this box
  • Your parents’ birthday 
  • Your parents’ marriage status, and dates of marraiges and/or divorces
  • Your federal income tax returns or W2s
    • You may be able to transfer this information using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool
  • Your parents’ federal income tax returns or W2s
    • You  may be able to transfer this information using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool
  • Your bank statements & records of investments
    • You will need to provide a number for how much money you currently have in cash, savings, & checking accounts
    • If you do not have investments, this is fine
  • Your parents’ bank statements & record of investments
    • You will need to provide a number for how much money your parents currently have in cash, savings, & checking accounts
    • If your parents do not have investments, this is fine
  • Records of untaxed income
    • Workers compensation, Black Lung Benefits, untaxed portions of Railroad Retirement Benefits, or disability benefits
  • You should also know….
    • Did you or your parents receive…
      • supplemental security income, supplemental nutrition assitance program, free or reduced price lunch, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or WIC?
      • child support, taxable income from need-based employment programs (work study, fellowships)?
      • grant & scholarship aid, Americorps benefits, combat pay, earnings from work under a cooperative education program, or veterans noneducation benefits?
      • payments to tax deferred retirement/pension, or housing, food, and living allowances paid to members of the military or clergy?
  • If your parents are remarried, you may be required to provide information for step-parents as well