The verification process can be instigated by either the U.S. Department of Education or the school handling the FAFSA application. The verification process is used to ensure the information provided on the FAFSA is accurate based on the documents used to complete the application.
The FAFSA verification process can be begun for a number of reasons, including incomplete or estimated data or an incomplete application. The process begins with the academic institution sending a letter asking for copies of documents including tax returns, information on family size and details, and information on untaxed income such as child support.
When the relevant information to verify the FAFSA has been received by the academic institution, a financial award letter will be sent to the individual with details of financial awards. Where the information differs from that on the initial FAFSA, the application will be corrected and a student aid report sent from the Department of Education to the student.