What is the FAFSA® form?
The FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form is the application for federal student aid, including the Pell Grant and work-study. LOSFA also uses the FAFSA® as the application for some state financial aid programs, such as GO Grant.
I only want to apply for TOPS. Do I still need to submit the FAFSA®?
No, you may choose to complete the TOPS Online Application. The TOPS Online Application allows you to apply ONLY for TOPS.
Click on the link below to compare the two TOPS Application options.
Register for an FSA ID
Students and parents MUST create an FSA ID before completing the FAFSA® form.
You will have to wait 1-3 days for your information to be confirmed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) before you can use your FSA ID to complete the FAFSA® form.
Reasons to complete the FAFSA®:
- It can help pay for college or career school: Students leave millions of dollars in financial aid on the table each year when they don’t complete the FAFSA®. Not only is the FAFSA® needed to be considered for some federal and state financial aid programs, but many colleges also require it for students to be considered for institutional aid.
- The 2025-26 FAFSA® form is currently open. You must submit a FAFSA® form for each school year to maximize the amount and types of aid you could receive.
- The form is simpler with past issues resolved and takes as little as 10 minutes to fill out.
- What do I need to file the 2025-26 FAFSA®?
- Both students and parents must create an FSA ID at least 1-3 days prior to completing the FAFSA®. You will not be able to access the FAFSA® if you do not have an FSA ID.
- Your social security number (SSN), and driver’s license, and/or alien registration number.
- 2023 federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned.
- Your parents’ 2023 income tax returns, W-2 forms and 1040 forms if you are a dependent student. If you or your parents have not completed 2023 taxes yet, you can estimate the income and other tax return information, and then correct your application after the taxes have been filed.
- Records and documentation of other nontaxable income received such as welfare benefits, social security income, veteran’s benefits, military, or clergy allowances (if applicable).
- Any additional applicable financial information, such as taxable work-study, assistantships, fellowships, grants and scholarship aid reported to the IRS, combat pay or special combat pay, and cooperative education program earnings.
- Records of any additional nontaxable income: Examples include child support received, veterans’ non-education benefits, money received or paid on your behalf, etc.
- Current bank and brokerage account statements, including records of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investments (if applicable).
- Business or investment farm records (if applicable).
- Records relating to any unusual family financial circumstances.
I won’t qualify for aid. Do I still need to submit the FAFSA®?
The FAFSA® considers factors outside of income, which means there’s a possibility that you may qualify for federal student aid. Also, the FAFSA® serves as the application for federal work-study funds, federal student loans, and even scholarships and grants offered by your state, school, or private organization. If you want to get the most financial aid possible, you should consider completing the FAFSA®.
Use the Pell Grant look-up tables below to help determine if you may be eligible for a maximum or minimum grant. You may also use the Federal Student Aid Estimator tool to see how much federal aid you may be eligible to receive.
Get FAFSA® Help from LOSFA
Register for Virtual Office Hours to receive one-on-one assistance with completing the FAFSA® or setting up an FSA ID.
Get FAFSA® Help from Federal Student Aid
The Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) is available to assist students and parents with FAFSA® and FSA ID-related questions via phone, email, and chatbot.
Hours of Operation
Monday: 8 a.m.–9 p.m. Eastern time (ET)
Tuesday–Wednesday: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. (ET)
Thursday–Friday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (ET)
Saturday–Sunday: Closed
Closed on federal holidays.
