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.
The 2024-25 FAFSA® form, branded as the “Better FAFSA®,” includes the biggest changes to the form in decades. The changes translate to a shorter and simpler form, increased eligibility for Pell Grants, and a reduction in verification, allowing more students access to the financial aid they need.
View frequently asked questions related to the Better FAFSA®.
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, and completion of the form fulfills the high school graduation requirement.
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’s a graduation requirement: Public high school seniors can submit either the FAFSA® or TOPS Online Application to fulfill this requirement.
- 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 2024-25 FAFSA® form will open by December 31, 2023. You must submit a FAFSA® form for each school year to maximize the amount and types of aid you could receive.
- What do I need to file the 2024-25 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.
- 2022 federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned.
- Your parents’ 2022 income tax returns, W-2 forms and 1040 forms if you are a dependent student. If you or your parents have not completed 2022 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 24/7 help completing the FAFSA® with Wyatt, the digital FAFSA® advisor. Wyatt can help with questions about eligibility and more!
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, November 24, and December 22.
Additional Resources
National College Attainment Network (NCAN)
Federal Student Aid: Educational Webinars (YouTube)
Federal Student Aid: Learn how to fill out the FAFSA form and browse common FAFSA help topics.
Changes to the 24-25 FAFSA® form
Non-U.S. Citizens | Federal Student Aid – Financial Aid Toolkit
