The new landscape of FAFSA 2024-25

Wondering what is changed for the 2024 – 25 FAFSA form? We will uncover changes to the new FAFSA form as we continue to navigate the new landscape! Here are some of the most relevant changes that you need to know to get you started. One, spouse or stepparent may need to participate in your FAFSA form as a contributor. Contributor is a new term being introduced for the 2024-25 FAFSA form. Two, your federal tax information will now be transferred directly from the IRS into the form. This information will be used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid and shared with schools and state higher education agencies to prepare financial aid offers. Three, for this transfer to happen, you and your contributors must provide consent and approval on the FAFSA form. This is a new requirement, and if consent and approval are not provided, you will not be eligible for federal student aid. Even if one of our contributors does not have a Social Security number, did not file taxes, or filed taxes outside of the U.S., consent and approval are still required. Four, you and your contributors will each need to have your own Student Aid account username and password to access and complete the online FAFSA form. Contributors who do not have a Social Security number can still create a Student Aid account to fill out their sections on the FAFSA form. But remember, you must be a U.S. Citizen or eligible noncitizen to be eligible for federal student aid. Five, once your FAFSA form has been started, you will now be able to view the status, including contributor progress in your Student Aid account. Finally, when you complete the online FAFSA form, your information can now be sent to more schools, with the option to select up to twenty colleges, career schools, or trade schools. If you have more questions about the FAFSA process, visit StudentAid.gov. WCCAN is here to assist as well and is becoming FAFSA certified!