StartWithFAFSA is designed to help Oklahoma students and parents
understand financial aid and the FAFSA (Free Application for
Federal Student Aid) process. Check out these frequently asked
questions about the FAFSA, and if you still have questions, please
contact us at UCanGo2@ocap.org or 866-443-7420
for support.
When do I fill out the FAFSA?
You'll want to complete your form as soon as it becomes
available your senior year of high school and then each year you
need financial aid. Also, keep in mind that some financial aid
programs that require the FAFSA have application deadlines early in
the year.
Where can I get a FAFSA?
Go to FAFSA.gov to
complete the form online and receive step-by-step instructions.
What if I have a question while I'm completing my FAFSA?
Click on the question mark after each question. It will provide
a detailed explanation of the request.
I was completing my FAFSA online and lost all of my
information. How did that happen?
You must hit the 'Save' button often. Always use the 'Next' and
'Previous' buttons on the site. Never use the 'Back' button on your
browser or you may lose your information.
Do I need to complete my taxes before filling out the
FAFSA?
The tax information you provide on the FAFSA will be from two
years prior to the start of the school year the FAFSA will be used
for. That means most applicants, and their parents, will already
have their taxes completed. Starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA, all
applicants and their parents/spouse must give consent to have their
tax information downloaded to the FAFSA from the IRS.
I live with my grandparents. Do I use their information on the
FAFSA?
No. Unless your grandparents have adopted you, the FAFSA
instructs dependent students to report their parents' income. If
you have a special situation, you should contact your college's
financial aid office.
Whose income do I report if my parents are divorced?
The parent who provided you with the most support during the
last 12 months should be shown on the FAFSA. If that parent has
remarried, your step-parent will also need to provide their
information.
My parents are divorced, and I received the same amount of
support from them over the last 12 months. Whose income should I
enter on the FAFSA?
If each parent provided you with an equal amount of support over
the last 12 months, use the information on the FAFSA for the parent
who earns the most money.
One of my parents recently lost their job and can no longer
afford to pay for college. What can I do?
Contact your college's financial aid office; they may be able to
offer alternatives.
I'm currently considered a dependent student, but I'm getting
married next month. Can I complete my FAFSA now as an independent
student?
No. The rules state you must be married at the time you submit
the FAFSA to be recognized as an independent student. However,
after your marital status changes, please reach out to the
financial aid office at the college or career technology center you
plan to attend. They may be able to adjust your status on the
FAFSA.
Can I receive federal student aid if I am homeless?
Yes. When you complete the FAFSA, you will be asked whether you
are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and "unaccompanied"
(meaning not with your parents).
Will I be required to submit documentation to prove I am
"unaccompanied" and homeless or at risk of becoming homeless?
Maybe. Once you answer "yes" to the general homelessness
question on the FAFSA, you will be asked whether you have received
a homeless youth determination. If you indicate that you have, the
financial aid administrator at the college you plan to attend may
request the determination to prove that you are self-supporting,
"unaccompanied" and homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. For
more information, review the FAFSA Tips for
Unaccompanied Homeless Youth.
My parents have money in a 401(k). Do I need to include that
information in my application?
No. Your parents' retirement funds are not used when calculating
the Student Aid Index (SAI).
I'm pregnant. Can I include my unborn baby in the household
size on my FAFSA?
No, unborn children are not to be included in the family size on
the FAFSA.
My parents saved a lot of money for my college education, but
all the funds are under my name. Is that a good idea?
No. The FAFSA uses a larger percentage of student income and
assets when determining financial aid eligibility, so it's best to
keep all savings accounts under the parent's name.
How do I know if I'm considered a dependent or an independent
student?
Use this dependency
questionnaire to determine your status. If you're deemed an
independent student, you will not need to provide your parent's
information when completing your FAFSA.
What happens once my FAFSA has been submitted?
You'll get a FAFSA Submission Summary, which is a summary of the
information you provided on the FAFSA. Carefully review any
requests for information sent by your college and respond quickly.
Once your financial aid application is finalized, the aid office
will send you a financial aid offer notifying you of the types of
aid you're eligible to receive. You should accept free money first,
like grants and scholarships. If student loans are necessary to
help cover your total educational expenses, only borrow the amount
you actually need.
Who can I talk to if I have more questions?
Students and parents can contact Federal Student Aid online or
over the phone at 1-800-4-FED-AID (800-433-3243) for assistance
with the FAFSA. Also, contact the financial aid office of the
college you plan to attend. They can answer your questions and
direct you to additional helpful resources.