Visit ed.gov, the U.S. Department of Education's website and use the FAFSA4Caster (under "grants forecast"). Filling out these few questions on the forecaster will help you determine if you are eligible for need-based aid. Alternatively, you can call 1-800-4-FED-AID to discuss your eligibility for need-based aid (or for any other questions regarding applying for financial aid), if you do not want to use your computer.
Fill out the FAFSA form. The easiest and quickest way is to fill it out on the official FAFSA section of the Department of Education's website. You can also call the above number to order a paper copy or download a PDF copy from the website. You should fill out the FAFSA even if you are not eligible for a need-based grant, such as the Pell Grant, because other forms of aid require you to fill out the FAFSA.
Use the resources provided on the FAFSA website. There are worksheets and FAQs that make the process of filling out the FAFSA much easier than it used to be before Internet access became so readily available.
Check the status of your completed application. According to the Federal Student Aid website, once you complete the FAFSA, you can check the status of the processed application one week after an electronic submission and two to three weeks after submission if you mailed your signature page.
Review and print your Student Aid Report (SAR) once it has been processed and be sure to report any inaccuracies because your school of choice uses this information to determine your expected family contribution and the amount of your financial need. According to the FAFSA website, the Pell Grant funds (along with any other aid you receive) will be sent directly to your school, and they will use the money for your tuition, fees and living expenses.