After completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid a student may be selected for a process referred to as Verification. If selected, the student will be notified by the school via mail or phone and asked to complete additional paperwork. When a student first learns that they have been selected for Verification, it typically sends them into a state of panic. Once you understand the process, however, you will see that the Verification process is nothing to worry about. The most common questions associated with verification are:

1) Why have I been selected?

There are a number of things that trigger a FAFSA application to be selected for verification. Approximately 1/3 of applications are selected randomly, regardless of the accuracy of the information provided. In this case, you are just unlucky. Another common reason for selection is an unusually low income. In this example, the FAFSA is looking to verify that your information is correct, and to learn more about your need for financial aid. They will often require a “minimal income statement” to collect more info on how you meet your financial obligations and pay your living expenses. Whatever the reason for your selection, the process is really quite simple.

2) Does this mean I am denied financial aid?

No. In fact, often times it means you may be eligible for a grant. The verification process is simply a function used to “double check” your responses, and make sure your financial aid award is accurate for your situation. It is very rare for a student to be denied outright for Financial Aid and the verification process is NOT intended to determine “if” you qualify for FA, but rather to determine “how much” aid you are eligible for.

The following are the only reasons a student can be denied for Financial Aid

1) You have been convicted of selling or possessing illegal drugs, if the drug offense for which you were convicted occurred while you were receiving federal student aid

2) You are in default on prior student loans.

3) You are not a US citizen or eligible non-citizen.

If you find yourself selected for Verification read the instructions carefully, return all paperwork, and don’t worry-you are one step closer to funding your education!

For more information on financial aid and funding your degree check out the Department of Education FAFSA website. This site provides comprehensive information about the FAFSA and what you need to successfully apply for Financial Aid.

Contributed by Dave Tarner