IMPORTANT UPDATE
The Department of Education notified schools that they are currently working on processing the backlog of completed FAFSA applications. Keep an eye out for communication from FAFSA regarding any additional updates or steps needed.
At this time, we have not yet received FAFSA applications. We will be working hard over the next couple of weeks to ensure the system is updated as those applications are received.
The Department of Education notified that students currently are unable to edit their FAFSA applications but that the edit functionality should be made available sometime during the first half of April.
The Chaminade Financial Aid Office is committed to assisting and guiding you through any questions or concerns you may have. Mahalo for your patience.
Big changes are coming to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-25 aid year.
Simplifying the financial aid application process: the FAFSA Simplification Act is an initiative by the United States Department of Education to make applying for federal student aid easier for students.
This is the first major redesign of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process in over 40 years. It represents a significant overhaul of federal student aid, including the FAFSA form, need analysis, storage of federal student aid application data, and many policies and procedures for schools that participate in the Title IV programs.
Why is the FAFSA Changing?
From the U.S. Department of Education: “On Dec. 27, 2020, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The law includes provisions that amend the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act and includes the FAFSA Simplification Act—a sweeping redesign of processes and systems used to award federal student aid. Specifically, the law makes it easier for students and families to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form and expands access to federal student aid.”
How Do I Prepare for the FAFSA Changes?
Create Your FSA ID(s) Today
Students completing the FAFSA for the first time, and all those contributing to a student’s FAFSA, can create their FSA ID before the application becomes available in December. An FSA ID is REQUIRED for all contributors.
Mark your calendar for December 31st, 2023
Be sure to complete your 2024-25 FAFSA once available. Priority deadline for the 2024-25 academic year is 03/31/2024.
Check here often for updates
This is the biggest update to the FAFSA in 40 years! We will provide additional updates here as more information becomes available.
FSA ID
Beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA®, all users/contributors must have an FSA ID and password to fill out the FAFSA®, even those without a Social Security Number (SSN). However, those without an SSN cannot yet create an FSA ID. We expect this access to be available around the same time the FAFSA® is released on Dec. 31st, 2023. Processing your FSA ID can take up to 5 business days, so we recommend creating it at least a week before you start your FAFSA®. You could even do it now!
*Eligible non-citizens, or contributors, without an SSN will need to, once available, sign up for an FSA ID and go through an identity verification process with TransUnion. Verification through TransUnion, if successful, is immediate and will not take 5 business days, as it would with SSN holders.
What’s changing with FAFSA?
What’s NOT changing with FAFSA?
KEY REMINDERS
The FAFSA® for the 2024-25 academic year will be available starting December 31st, 2023. Schools will not begin receiving FAFSA® applications until after the start of March 2024. However, the federal system will be processing the applications in batches, so some schools may not begin receiving applications until the end of March and throughout April.
Anyone who is asked to provide information on the FAFSA® – Student, Student’s Spouse, Parent(s), and Step-parent(s).
Each contributor will now need to provide their consent to their Federal Tax Information (FTI) being included in the FAFSA®, even if they did not file a U.S. tax return. If consent is not given, the FAFSA® will not be valid. If consent is given, but the information from the IRS is unable to be transferred, then the contributor will be given a chance to manually enter the information. The important thing to remember is that consent for FTI information to be transferred must be given regardless of whether or not the information transfer is successful or if the contributor did not file taxes.
*In some cases, only consent from one of the contributors is needed. Example: Married parents who filed married filing jointly. The FAFSA® application will provide guidance throughout on what is needed for your situation.
Beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA®, all contributors (student, student’s spouse, and/or parent/step-parent) must have their own FSA ID.