Applying for Aid & Loans

Much of the financial information you need to provide is on your tax forms. Completing your taxes early can make the application process easier because you'll have the financial information you need in one place and can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to populate the form. You can estimate your financial information using previous tax years and correct the amounts on the form later by going to the corrections page on the FAFSA website. If you are not required to file taxes you still have to fill out a FAFSA to get financial aid.

Here is a list of materials that will help you complete the FAFSA:

• Your Social Security Number (can be found on Social Security card)
• Your driver's license (if any)
• Your W-2 Forms for the previous year and other records of money earned
• Your (and your spouse's, if you are married) most recent Federal Income Tax Return – IRS Form 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040Telefile, foreign tax return, or tax return for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia
• Your parent's Federal Income Tax Return for the previous year (if you are a dependent student as defined by federal criteria)
• Your untaxed income records for the previous year – Social Security, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, welfare, or veterans benefits records
• Your current bank statements
• Your current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond, and other investment records
• Documentation that you are a U.S. permanent resident or other eligible noncitizen.

Filling out the Pre-Application Worksheet available on the FAFSA website will help you collect and proofread the information for your application before you submit it. There are resources available if you decide you need assistance filling out the FAFSA, check the FAQ section on the FAFSA Web site, or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED AID (1-800-433-3243).

The FAFSA is found online at studentaid.gov and to avoid being selected for verification, we suggest that you (and your parents) first file your Federal Income Tax Return and wait until it is processed so the IRS Data Retrieval Tool can be used to populate income information.

Be sure you read “Before Beginning a FAFSA.” We have a page called “Common Mistakes on the FAFSA” that you should read as well.

• Remember you must apply for aid each academic year. Your FAFSA on the Web application has part of your information from the previous year already filled in to make the process easier.

• List “Eastern Florida State College” and the EFSC Federal School Code (001470) as a school choice in Step Six of the FAFSA.

• Sign your FAFSA. Students can sign the FAFSA electronically using their federal PIN. Parents of dependent students can also sign electronically but must either request their own PIN or print, sign and mail the signature page to the processor. Information on creating an electronic PIN is at www.pin.ed.gov.

• Students must meet all published deadlines to ensure a determination of financial aid eligibility prior to EFSC's Fee Due Dates.

• After applying, you can check the status of your application and/or make corrections online at the FAFSA website.

To FILE A PAPER FAFSA:

• Request one from the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1.800.433.3243; OR download and print one from FAFSA website then list “Eastern Florida State College” and the EFSC Federal School Code (001470) as a school choice in Step Six of the FAFSA.

The SAR indicates your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is used to determine your eligibility for financial aid. It also lists information you recorded on your FAFSA, so you can check it for accuracy.

• If you provide your e-mail address on your FAFSA. You will get an online SAR as soon as 24 hours after your FAFSA is processed. If no corrections are needed, keep the SAR with your financial aid records.

• If your e-mail or mailing address changes, update it with the federal processor to make sure you get your SAR, electronic PIN, Renewal Reminder, and other correspondence. You can make these updates at www.fafsa.ed.gov or on you SAR.

• If EFSC is listed in the College Release Section of your SAR, we will receive your electronic application information directly from the processor. If it is not listed and you want to be considered for aid at EFSC, you will need to call the processor at 1-800-433-3243 to have EFSC added.

• Incomplete file letters will be mailed from the Office of Financial Aid advising students whose financial aid files are not yet complete. If you receive one of these letters, respond quickly to the request.

Academic transcripts must be evaluated by the Office of Admissions and Records from all post-secondary schools, colleges and universities attended prior to Eastern Florida State College or during breaks in enrollment at EFSC.

You're responsible for providing the Office of Admissions and Records with up-to-date academic transcripts from all institutions attended. Financial aid funds cannot be awarded or disbursed until all academic records have been evaluated. It’s also necessary to provide the Office of Admissions and Records with an official High School Transcript. Financial aid cannot be awarded or disbursed until the High School Transcript is received.

When EFSC has received your electronic application information from the federal processor, an electronic folder is established.

If you are eligible for aid, EFSC will award you an aid package based on your demonstrated need. You will receive an Award Notice stating the terms and conditions of aid programs awarded to you. View a video on how to check your Financial Aid Status.

• Grant acceptance and funding is automatic.

• If you’re awarded work study opportunities, see the Provost on your campus to accept and schedule those.

• Loans must be accepted, plus you may face decisions about applying for additional loans. See the Loan Acceptance/Disbursement link for more on accepting and receiving loans, plus information on applying for additional loans.

• See the Aid Disbursement page for information on how aid is distributed to you.

• Students are responsible for keeping their permanent and local addresses up-to-date at the Office of Admissions and Records.