The FAFSA Simplification Act represents a significant overhaul of the processes and systems used to distribute federal student aid, beginning with the 2024–2025 award year.
This legislation impacts:
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form
The federal need analysis formula (including the transition from EFC to the Student Aid Index – SAI)
Policies and procedures for institutions participating in federal student aid programs
The changes are designed to streamline the financial aid process, expand access to aid, and simplify how eligibility is determined. Because this is a multi-year implementation, guidance continues to evolve. We will update this webpage as new information becomes available.
FAQ
FAQ Does my parents’ citizenship or immigration status affect my eligibility for aid?
Your parents’ or spouse’s citizenship or immigration status doesn’t affect your eligibility for federal student aid. In fact, the FAFSA form doesn’t even ask about your parents’ or spouse’s status.
Do I need to include both parents if I only live with one?
You will need information from both parents if they still live together, even if they are considered divorced or separated by law. If your parents do not live together, the parent who provides greater financial support is the one who will be required to provide their financial information on the FAFSA.
At what age can I stop using my parents' income and use my own for FAFSA?
If you do not meet the criteria to be considered independent from your parents for the FAFSA form, you must be 24 years old as of December 31 of the award year for the FAFSA completed.
Do I need to link my taxes or just use my parents’ for my FAFSA?
If you are considered a dependent student by the FAFSA guidelines, you must include both yours and your parent(s).
Can I receive Federal Student Aid if I am homeless or at risk for becoming homeless?
Yes, when you complete the FASFA form, you will be asked if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and “unaccompanied” meaning you are not with your parents. Answer the question with “Yes,” and continue the application.
What if a lot changed after I filed the previous year's taxes?
If you or your family experienced significant changes to your financial situation (such as loss of employment or pay cuts), or other special circumstances (such as tuition expenses at an elementary or secondary school or high unreimbursed medical or dental expenses), complete and submit the FAFSA form as instructed. Once you submit the form, discuss your special circumstances with the financial aid office at the college(s) you applied to or plan to attend.
What if the expiration date on my documents has passed?
If your greencard has expired, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your status as legal permanent resident has expired. You may just need to renew your card. Do so as early as possible. If your permanent residence status has expired, then are you are no longer eligible for federal student aid. If your documentation shows that you are a Cuban-Haitian Entrant, you are still an eligible noncitizen even if the expiration date has passed.
Do I need good credit to get a student loan?
For most federal student loans, a credit check or a co-signer are not required. Students must be enrolled at least ½ time, at a minimum of 6 college credits. Direct PLUS loans are the exception.
Is there State Aid available?
New York State has a number of financial aid programs for students such as the NYS TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) Grant and the NYS Excelsior Scholarship. Students are encouraged to apply at www.hesc.ny.gov. Students who do not qualify to submit the standard TAP application should complete the Senator Jose Peralta New York State DREAM Act application.
How do I get work study on my financial aid?
Students can answer ‘Yes’ to the question on the FAFSA that asks if they want to be considered for work-study. When the financial aid offer does not have Federal Work-Study, the student can contact their financial aid office for consideration.
Does Financial aid only give loans?
Financial aid can include the Federal Pell and other grants that don’t need to be paid back, work-study funds where you work part-time to earn a paycheck to assist with college costs, or low-interest loans that you borrow and repay when you graduate or if you enroll less than 6 credits before graduating.
What does it mean to provide consent and approval on the FAFSA form?
You and your contributors must provide consent and approval to have your/their federal tax information transferred directly from the IRS into your FAFSA form. Providing consent and approval is mandatory, even if you or your contributors don’t have a social security number, didn’t file a tax return, or filed a tax return outside the U.S.
If I am applying to graduate school, should I complete FAFSA?
Yes, there are federal aid programs available to students in graduate school. While Federal Grants are not available for graduate students, some graduate programs may require the FAFSA if offering need-based institutional scholarships or grants.
