When Does FAFSA Close

Three FAFSA Deadlines You Should Know

1.  Federal Deadline:
   The federal deadline is the absolute last date to submit your FAFSA application in order to be considered for any type of financial aid, grants or loans. The federal deadline is usually June 30th of the same year that you are applying for aid.
2. State Deadline:
   Each state has its own deadline to apply for FAFSA. Make sure that you’re aware of this deadline as it could affect your eligibility for certain state-based grants and scholarships. Depending on the state, the FAFSA submission deadline could be anywhere from March 1st to June 30th.
3. School Deadline:
   Every school has its own FAFSA deadline too, so it’s critical that you meet the school’s deadline in order to access all available types of financial aid. Most schools have a deadline between April 1st and May 1st, whereas other schools may have an earlier or later application period. Contact your intended school to find out when their submission due date is.

Use the following steps to apply for FAFSA. Remember to make sure that you’re aware of the deadline. Double-check all information before submitting, use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) for accuracy and efficiency, and utilize a signature generator for electronic signatures.

Steps to applying for FAFSA

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Documents
In order to apply for FAFSA, you will need to have certain documents on hand.

Here’s a list of some of the necessary documents needed when applying:

• Social Security Number
• Driver’s License
• Tax returns from the previous year
• Parent/guardian information (if applicable)
• Bank account information
• Investment records (if applicable)
• Records of untaxed income (if applicable)

Step 2: Create an FSA ID
An FSA ID is needed in order to access the online FAFSA application. This ID will also be used when signing legal documents, so keep it safe.

Step 3: Complete the FAFSA Form
The online form is the central part of the FAFSA process and will require information from both you and your parents/guardians. Make sure that all information provided is accurate and up to date.

Step 4: Submit the FAFSA Form
Once you have completed all the necessary steps, you can submit your application. Once the form has been received, you will receive a confirmation email.

Do I need to complete the FAFSA form every year?

Yes. You have to submit a new FAFSA form each year in order to qualify for financial aid. This ensures that all of your information is current and up-to-date when applying for financial aid.

How do I know if my FAFSA form has been accepted?

After submitting your application, you’ll receive an email confirmation from the Department of Education confirming that your FAFSA form has been received and is under review.  You can also view the status of your application by logging into StudentAid.gov. 

Are there any penalties for submitting my FAFSA after the June 30th deadline?

No, there are no penalties for submitting your form late. However, it’s important to note that any applications received after the June 30th deadline will not be considered for financial aid. Therefore, rather opt to submit your application prior to this date in order to ensure that you’re eligible for financial assistance. 

The FAFSA process can seem overwhelming at first glance, but with the proper preparation and guidance, it doesn’t have to be. Make it a point to give yourself plenty of time and utilize resources such as the IRS Data Retrieval Tool in order to get the most out of your application. Double-check that you have all the necessary documents before submitting your application and look over all the information provided. Remember that the federal deadline for submitting a FAFSA is usually June 30th of the same year you are applying for aid, so make sure to submit your application as soon as possible. With this in mind, you’ll be well on your way to securing the funds to finance your college dreams.