Clarifying the Role- Who Should Fill Out the FAFSA – The Parent or the Student-

Who fills out FAFSA: Parent or Student?

Understanding who is responsible for filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial for both students and parents. The FAFSA is a critical document that determines a student’s eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The process of determining who should fill out the FAFSA can be confusing, especially since both parents and students have roles to play in the application process.

By default, the parent is responsible for filling out the FAFSA if the student is a dependent. The U.S. Department of Education defines a dependent student as someone who is under the age of 24, unmarried, and does not have children of their own. For dependent students, their parent’s financial information is required to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is a key factor in determining the amount of financial aid the student is eligible for.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. If a student is considered an independent, they are responsible for filling out the FAFSA and providing their own financial information. An independent student is someone who is 24 years of age or older, married, has children, is a veteran, or is a ward of the court. In addition, students who have been emancipated, are in a foster care arrangement, or are homeless may also be considered independent.

For dependent students, both the student and the parent should gather the necessary financial information before starting the FAFSA application. This includes tax returns, W-2 forms, bank statements, and other financial documents. The parent will need to provide their information first, followed by the student’s information. It’s important to note that the parent’s information is used to determine the EFC, which is then used to calculate the student’s financial aid eligibility.

Once the FAFSA is submitted, both the student and the parent should keep track of the application process. This includes monitoring the status of the application, responding to any requests for additional information, and reviewing the financial aid offer. It’s also essential to maintain communication between the student and the parent throughout the process to ensure that all necessary information is provided and that any issues are addressed promptly.

In conclusion, the responsibility for filling out the FAFSA falls on the parent for dependent students, while independent students are responsible for providing their own financial information. Understanding these roles and responsibilities can help ensure a smooth and successful FAFSA application process, leading to increased access to financial aid for students pursuing higher education.