How to Make FAFSA Corrections After You Have Filed

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) serves as a gateway to various financial aid opportunities, including grants, scholarships, federal student loans, and work-study programs. Completing this form accurately is important for students pursuing higher education. After submitting the FAFSA, individuals may find errors or experience changes that require corrections. This guide outlines the process for making FAFSA corrections.

Understanding What Can Be Corrected

After your FAFSA has been processed, certain information can be corrected. Common correctable data points include financial details, such as updated tax figures, untaxed income amounts, and asset values. Changes in household size, the number of family members attending college, or housing plans can also be adjusted. These corrections are needed if there was a mistake on the original form or if family situations have changed since submission.

However, some information cannot be changed directly through the correction process. This includes the student’s Social Security Number, date of birth, or name. If there is an error in one of these fields, a new FAFSA may be required, or specific procedures, like updating account settings for a Social Security Number error, may be necessary. For complex situations, contact the financial aid office at your chosen institution for assistance.

Gathering Necessary Information for Corrections

Before initiating any FAFSA correction, gather all relevant information and documents. Access to your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID and password is required, as this serves as your electronic signature and login for StudentAid.gov. Both the student and, if applicable, the parent (for dependent students) will need their own FSA IDs.

Depending on the correction, you may need various financial records. This includes updated tax returns (e.g., IRS Form 1040 and schedules) if financial data has changed. W-2s, 1099s, bank statements, and investment account statements are useful for verifying income and assets. If correcting untaxed income, supporting documentation will be necessary. Your Student Aid Report (SAR), which summarizes your FAFSA data, is helpful, especially for mail-in corrections.

Making Corrections Online

The most common method for correcting a FAFSA is through StudentAid.gov. Log in to your StudentAid.gov account using your FSA ID. Once logged in, navigate to the “My Activity” section of your dashboard to find your submitted FAFSA form.

Select the processed FAFSA submission you wish to correct. You will see an option, such as “Start Your Correction” or “Make Corrections,” to begin. The online system guides you through the FAFSA sections, allowing you to identify and update fields. After inputting new information, review all changes before proceeding to submission. If a dependent student changes parental information, a parent must re-sign the FAFSA electronically using their StudentAid.gov account.

Making Corrections by Mail

For individuals who prefer a paper method or encounter online limitations, FAFSA corrections can be made by mail. This process involves making changes directly on your Student Aid Report (SAR). After your FAFSA is processed, you will receive a paper copy of your SAR by mail.

Once you have the paper SAR, locate the incorrect information and clearly write the correct details in the designated spaces. Sign and date the SAR after making all necessary corrections. For dependent students, a parent must also sign the SAR if parental information was corrected. Mail the corrected SAR to the address provided on the document.

After Submitting Your FAFSA Correction

After you submit your FAFSA correction, whether online or by mail, the information undergoes processing. Online corrections are processed within one to three days. For corrections submitted by mail, processing can take seven to ten days from the date it was mailed.

Once processed, you will receive a confirmation, often as an updated Student Aid Report (SAR) or an email. The corrected information is then shared with the schools listed on your FAFSA, usually within a day. The updated information may affect your financial aid eligibility or aid offers. Monitor your StudentAid.gov account for updates and contact the financial aid offices of your chosen schools to understand the impact on your aid package.