FAFSA® Updates

Big FAFSA® Changes are Here

Different doesn’t mean bad: we’ve got your back so you don’t miss a beat.

Completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) just got easier, but you will want to know about changes too so you’re prepared!

What do you need?

If you’re a dependent student, you’ll need this information for you and your parents.
  • You and your parents will need an FSA (Federal Student Aid) ID to access the FAFSA® and sign the form electronically. The FSA ID must be obtained at studentaid.gov before you start the FAFSA®, and we recommend applying 3-5 days before you plan on starting the FAFSA®.
  • Your Social Security number
  • Your parents’ Social Security numbers (SSN). Parents without a social security number will respond with 000-00-0000, when asked for an SSN.
  • What do you no longer need? Student and parent tax documents. All of this information will be automatically accessed from the IRS through the FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange (FADDX).
Keep in mind that filing the FAFSA® is free—you should never be asked to pay to complete the form.

If your financial aid status has changed, you must complete the FAFSA® with the information required, and then follow up with your school’s financial aid office for further advice.

To be eligible for federal financial aid, you must file the FAFSA for each year you’ll be in school.

©2023 Sallie Mae Bank. All rights reserved. These materials were prepared and/or provided by Sallie Mae. Sallie Mae does not provide, and these materials are not meant to convey, financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult your own financial advisor, tax advisor, or attorney about your specific circumstances. FAFSA is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid. Sallie Mae, the Sallie Mae Logo and other Sallie Mae names and logos are service marks or registered service marks of Sallie Mae Bank. All other names and logos used are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Sallie Mae Bank, are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America. W270651 0923