Read the entire Student Aid Report (SAR). Pay special attention to any messages from the Department of Education that may be present on the report.
Contact your school’s financial aid office if you have questions or do not understand your SAR.
Collect copies of the paperwork your financial aid office requires. These documents may include: Social Security cards, marriage certificates, alien registration cards, and federal tax forms. Each school is different, so check with the Financial Aid office to find out specifically what information they want you to submit. The types of forms needed for the verification process with vary from student to student, and some students may not be required to submit any documentation at all. Make sure you understand what documentation is required and only submit the documents requested.
Choose the correct Verification Worksheet. First, you will need to choose the school year in which you are requesting aid for. Next, you will need to decide if you are a dependent or independent student. Most traditional college students are considered dependant even if they are estranged from their guardians and / or are paying their way through college. Legally, an independent student is defined as a student who can answer “yes” to any of the questions below:
Were you born before January 1, 1983 (for the 2006-07 academic year)?
At the beginning of the 2006-07 academic year, working on a master's or doctorate program (such
as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, graduate certificate or EdD, etc.)?
Were you married as of the date of completing the FAFSA, or separated as of the date of completing the FAFSA. "Married" is not defined as living together unless your state recognizes the student's relationship as a common-law marriage. (Note: Illinois does not recognize common-law marriages)?
Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from the student and will continue to getthat support during the 2005-06 academic year?
Do you have dependents (other than children or a spouse) who will live with the student and who receive more than half of their support from the student and will continue to get that support during the 2006-07 academic year?
Were both parents are deceased or a ward/dependent of the court or was a ward of the court until age 18?
Were you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?
The worksheet can be obtained from the Federal Student Aid website.
Fill out any additional paperwork required by your school.
Return all of the paperwork required to your school’s financial aid office by the deadline they have chosen. Processing can take up to a month. Verification must be completed before any disbursements can be made, so it is very important that all documentation and paperwork is received by your school as soon as possible.