Selection for Verification

Verification is the process of checking the data you reported on the FAFSA against actual Federal income tax returns and statements documenting household size, number in college and untaxed income. The Federal processor selects student FAFSA results for verification.  Students are notified in the cover letter of their Student Aid Report (SAR) that they have been selected for review and an asterisk is placed next to the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number on the front page of the SAR.  The Federal government requires schools to verify at least 30 percent of their applications. In addition, schools may select more by their own edits, and some schools have a policy of verifying 100 percent.

If you are selected for review, realize this is a common process. Its goal is to maintain an accurate and fair need analysis. Respond promptly to your school's request for copies of Federal income tax returns, W-2's, Verification Worksheet  and other data. Failure to provide data will result in delays, and possible cancellation of Federal aid.

Verifications are handled by college student financial aid offices; don't send documentation to the Federal processor. If errors are found, the financial aid officer will help you make necessary corrections--most generally with an electronic process that only takes a few days. You will receive a new SAR Information Acknowledgement from the Central Processor so you know what corrections were made. Corrections could affect financial aid estimates that were sent to you earlier. If your awards change significantly, the Financial Aid Office will send you a revised Award Letter.