Happy New Year from UCanGo2! We’re happy to share that the 2024-2025 FAFSA has been soft launched, which means, “The FAFSA form is available for short periods of time while we monitor site performance and update the form to provide you with a better experience.” – StudentAid.gov.
While the new FAFSA usually becomes available in October each year, the delay this year in releasing the 2024-25 FAFSA reflects the first major overhaul to the FAFSA in 40 years. The ‘Better FAFSA’ has been modified to streamline the application process, making it easier to complete, increasing the number of Pell eligible students, and integrating other changes that greatly improve the form for students and parents.
One of these changes enables parents and spouses without a Social Security number (SSN) to create a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID), which is required to complete, sign, edit, and renew your FAFSA and to access important information about your federal financial aid at various U.S. Department of Education websites. In the past, those without an SSN were required to print and sign a separate signature page, then mail in their FAFSA. For the 2024-25 FAFSA, parents and spouses can set up their FSA ID without an SSN.
Speaking of the FSA ID, have you established a verified FSA ID yet? Here is an overview of the process:
- If you’re creating an FSA ID for the first time, it will take an average of two to three days for the information to go through a matching process with the Social Security Administration. Until the information is verified, you won’t be able to complete your FAFSA. Make sure your FSA ID is verified before you start the application.
- If you already have an FSA ID that you used on a previous FAFSA, ensure that you provided an email address when you created the ID. The 2024-25 FAFSA requires that everyone has their own unique email address.
- As you create your FSA ID, you may find it helpful to write down all of the information you entered, along with a one-time authentication code to save in case you need it later. The FSA ID worksheets in English and Spanish will be useful for keeping the information safe until you renew your FAFSA next year.
- If you’re required to report one or both parents’ information on your FAFSA, they’ll need a verified FSA ID as well. If you have questions about who should create an FSA ID, refer to Who Needs a Federal Student Aid ID? at UCanGo2.org.
When you’re ready, visit FAFSA.gov to start your application. We’re here to provide the resources you’ll need to complete and submit your FAFSA.