Verification
Verification is the most common reason for file review and request for additional documents.
Because students sometimes make errors on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), colleges are required by the U.S. Department of Education to have procedures for verifying the reported information. Verification is the required process by which a college checks the information you reported on the FAFSA by comparing it with a copy of your and/or your parents’ signed federal tax return and other documentation as necessary. A completed Verification Worksheet is also required.
Not all files are verified. The federal processor randomly selects about one in three FAFSAs each year for verification. This is reported to you on the first page of your Student Aid Report (SAR), and you will also see an asterisk after your EFC.
- Please note: If your file is selected for verification, all forms of aid, including loans, will be held until you submit all requested items, your file is completed, and verification is concluded.
What is Verification? The verification process is like an audit of your FAFSA, comparing household and income information from documents we request with the figures you submitted on the FAFSA. The Department of Education requires that we resolve all “conflicting information” that affects Expected Family Contribution , or EFC. Our staff will review information including the following five essential areas:
- Household size
- Number enrolled in college (siblings only, until the age of 24; does not include parents in college)
- Adjusted gross income (AGI)
- U.S. income tax paid
- Certain untaxed income and benefits
Some other areas that can "conflict" may have to do with income earned from interest, investments, real estate, other forms of property, and tax filing status.
Hints to Make the Verification Process Go Smoothly
- Follow directions when completing the FAFSA. Carefully review the application instructions and provide accurate information. It is helpful to organize your information ahead of time by utilizing the worksheets provided on the FAFSA Web site or paper copies available in our office lobby.
- Student Aid Report (SAR). After the federal processor receives and processes your FAFSA, you will be e-mailed a SAR. The SAR lists each question and your response from the FAFSA. The SAR also notifies you if there was an error in processing your FAFSA. Review your SAR right away for accuracy and follow the instructions if you need to make corrections, or if you need to update it, as with tax information filed for the current year. If you did not receive your SAR within three weeks of submitting your FAFSA, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.
- Check your Student Center "To Do List" to see what financial aid documents are needed from you and what requirements you must meet. A full explanation for all requests is available by following the "Details" link next to each item.
- Submit all requested items on your "To Do List" by June 1 in order to have your file complete before the first possible disbursement. The summer and early fall are our busiest times for file review and verification. Beat the crowd by getting your documents in early. Always print your name and Chico ID at the top of all forms you submit. We aim to finalize as many files as possible in time for the first fall disbursement. Much of that depends on you.
- Be on top of all requests. Continue to check your "To Do List" for additional documents that may be requested.
- Follow through on all requests promptly. If you have questions, consult this Web site, call us at 530-898-6451, write to finaid@csuchico.edu, or stop by our office in Student Services Center 250.
Reminder
Verification confirms amount of need, as expressed by the EFC. However, financial aid is based on need and enrollment. Offers are estimated based on full-time enrollment. If you are not enrolled full-time, or drop below full-time, you will receive financial aid that is prorated for the number of units in which you are enrolled. Please view Enrollment Requirements for financial aid full-time status.