What to Do If You’re Chosen for FAFSA Verification

By Ryan Laspina
Analyst, Red Flags and External Reviews

After completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you could be asked to submit some additional documentation.

When you receive your Student Aid Report, it might say that the U.S. Department of Education (ED) selected you for verification. Verification is the process that ED uses to confirm that all the information you provided on the FAFSA is accurate. Your school may also reach out to let you know you have been selected for verification.

Here are some important facts you should know about verification:

• There are numerous types of FAFSA verification. Make sure you fully understand what documents ED or the university needs from you. Common documents requested are tax returns, household size forms, proof of high school/equivalency completion and the Identity/Statement of Educational Purpose form.

• You must submit all the requested documentation by the stated deadline to receive any Federal Student Aid (FSA). Failure to comply with the deadline will make you ineligible for FSA.

• Do not take verification personally. Being selected does NOT mean you are accused of doing anything wrong. It simply means that the university or ED wants documentation to corroborate the information you provided on your FAFSA.

• If all the requested documents you provide match the information on your FAFSA, you will pass the verification process. However, there may be other steps to take before you receive your FSA disbursements.

• Some verification documents require a signature from a notary (a professional witness). There are many places you can go, such as a local bank or your local UPS store, to find a notary.

Remember: for your FSA to work properly, you must provide complete and accurate information on your FAFSA. If you have any questions about being chosen for FAFSA verification, contact an FSA advisor at finaid@apus.edu or call 877-755-2787.