How to Make Changes to your Financial Aid Status | 05.20.10
For many, FAFSA time has come and gone (for those of you procrastinators – better hurry, June is the recommended deadline for filing the 2010-2011 FAFSA).However, if you have already submitted your FAFSA, you might be wondering what to do if you need to make a change that could affect your aid.
If you have suffered an economic hardship, contact your financial aid office for a review. If you can prove during this review that you, or a parent, has suffered a job loss or costly medical setback (bring in documentation), then you may be able to receive increased aid.
If you decide to go to a school that was not listed on your FAFSA: You can add a school to your FAFSA after the fact. First, if you have your pin number from the Department of Education, you can visit www.fafsa.ed.gov and select the option to Add or Delete a School Code. If you can’t find your PIN, you can use your Student Aid Report, and call the Department of Education at 1-800-433-3243. You will need your Social Security number, Data Release Number (listed on your Aid Report) and your transaction number (also listed on the SAR)
If you are changing your dependency status: This can be tricky. The only way to change from a dependent student to an independent student (provided you don’t meet the FAFSA independent student guidelines) is through a dependency override. This can only be accomplished in extreme circumstances, such as abandonment or if neither parent is unable to support you. Contact your financial aid office for more information.
ScholarshipPoints code: FAFSACH
5 Most Recent Student Loans Blog Posts:
The Student Loan Help blog is sponsored in part by:
great source of info
Helpful info. Thanks!
it wassoembarrassing when I made corrections to mmyfafsa form:w;
Does the financial aid office have the ability to assist with FAFSA information? My scores continue to be too high, but I don’t understand why.
Will changing from dependent to independent allow a student to receive more federal loans?
Yes, it will. However, you aren't legally considered "independent" until you either turn 24 years old, begin a graduate degree program, perform a family emancipation or become certifiably homeless.
THIS INFORMATION WILL BENEFICIAL TO ME IN THE FUTURE. I NEVER KNEW ONE COULD ASK FOR FINANCIAL AID INCREASE IF ONE IS HAVING A HARDSHIP. VERY USEFUL INFO. THANK YOU
This year was the first time I filled out the FAFSA. I thought about becoming an independent student, but I talked with my parents and we figured it would be better to just stay dependent. It just depends on your situation.
WOW. Thanks for the information. It's very helpful.
Very helpful
I didn't know they could increase aid due to economic hardship…my friend just went through that and we didn't know about this…good info
Interesting… I just lost everything in a major flood that happened in my city and am in need of more financial assistance. My FA office didn't even mention that there was a way that I could maybe get an increase. I'm definitely going to ask now that I know it's possible. Thanks for the great info!
My financial aid office wasn't very good at explaining the whole dependency override procedure to me. I figured it was the best way to go though because I'm not considered an orphan even if the only parent I had passed away. It was very tricky being classified as dependent and putting down info on a parent I didn't even know.
Thanks for the info. I have gone through this process many times and I think that FAFSA website is very user-friendly, they now have a live chat program that you can use to ask any questions directly to the FAFSA people.
It took me a long time to fill out my FAFSA for college just because i yhought it would take forever but now i know that its better to do it eraly rather than later.
Thank you for the information it was very helpful:)
And if you aren't eligible for FAFSA there are many other ways for assistance.
I am going to be a teacher in Arkansas – & have had STAR forgivable loans to help me – I will teach math/science in areas that have a shortage of teachers for 5 years.
Now there is a national teacher's support.
There are also other scholarships and grants for other specific majors – do your research – I did.
I am a white, Caucasian female & have received FAFSA for several years. I praise God that I have had this assistance in completing my educaiton.
thanks for you information
Second to last sentence, you mean if neither parent is *able* to support you. Good article though. I’m tempted to argue that point, that I’m technically independent but I think they’ll consider the fact that despite the fact that I make more money at my part time job than my mom does at hers, the fact that she provides food and shelter *when I’m not in school* makes me dependent. Never mind the fact that I’m paying for my education myself…
this really answered some of my questions so thanks alot!
These are good facts to know because financial aid can be so tricky at times.
racism, sadly will never die. I'm disappointed in the world and I am going to kill myself
I think that you should know that Jesus loves you, that you can have a new life in him. This world is falliable and only through him can you find the love and perfection you seek. I hope sincerely that you never choose to die. Be brave and face this world head-on.
This is such a nice comment to give. Stay who you are.
That was nice, I really think that people needed to hear that because there are so many people in the world today that feel that way.
Suffering from a job loss and my financial aid office won't help with increasing aid. They only said the only option I have is to apply for a private loan. I already have loans out with subsidized and unsubsidized. I still have my car loan to pay for and mortgage, along with the other bills and expenses of being a homeowner. I can't afford taking out anothe loan in which they will require monthly payments. How would I even be able to afford to pay for another/new loan if I'm unemployed! They're so not helpful and I really don't want to take school off just because of this.
There is a FAFSA change of income form to submit after a lay off, and it can make a huge difference. You would list your 2010 income to date, in addition to your projected 2010 income. The FAFSA 800# has people available to answer questions & I understand the change of income form is available on-line this year.