General

The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, used to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid.
Any student who wants to be considered for financial aid, including grants, work-study, and federal student loans, should complete the FAFSA.
The FAFSA opens on October 1 each year, and deadlines vary by state and school. Submitting as early as possible maximizes your chances of receiving aid.

Eligibility and Dependency

Eligibility depends on factors like financial need, citizenship status (U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen), enrollment in an eligible program, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
You’re considered dependent unless you meet specific criteria, such as being 24 years old, married, a veteran, or having dependents of your own.
Provide information for the parent you lived with the most during the past 12 months. If time is equal, use the parent who provided the most financial support.

You’ll need:
- Social Security Number (or Alien Registration Number for eligible noncitizens)
- Tax returns for you and your parents (if dependent)
- W-2 forms and other income information
- Records of untaxed income (e.g., child support received)
- Bank statements and investment records
Only if you qualify as an independent student. If you don’t qualify, but your parents refuse to provide their information, you won’t be eligible for most federal aid.

Yes, if you are a dependent student. If independent, only your (and your spouse's, if applicable) income is required.
Complete the FAFSA with the required tax information, then contact your school's financial aid office to request a professional judgment for special circumstances.
Report savings, checking account balances, investments (excluding retirement accounts), and real estate (excluding your primary residence).