Official account of Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Dept. of Education. We provide grants, loans, & work-study funds for college or career school.
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ALT Understanding Special Financial Circumstances
ALT Students fill out the FAFSA form for the current or upcoming school year, but they have to provide tax info from two years before. A lot can happen in two years. If your or your family’s financial situation has changed in those two years, you may have special financial circumstances.
ALT Examples of special financial circumstances may include these situations: major changes to your income, such as loss of employment or pay cuts; tuition expenses at an elementary or secondary school; large medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance; and other changes in income or assets that may affect your eligibility for federal student aid.
ALT If you have special financial circumstances, complete and submit your FAFSA form as instructed. After your form is processed, contact the financial aid office at your school. You’ll need to submit supporting documentation to the school. A financial aid administrator will make the final determination about your circumstances.
ALT The New Defaulted Loans Support Center A one-stop resource to help borrowers with defaulted student loans. Explore options to help you get out of default. Select “Compare Your Options” to determine if your student loan is in default; understand what default means; and view recommendations on how to get out of default. Take the first step that makes the most sense for you. Make a one-time payment on your defaulted loan. Learn more about how to get your loans out of default.
ALT Top FAQs About Income-Driven Repayment Plans
ALT Breaking Common FAFSA Myths: Parent Edition
ALT Myth: My child can access state and school aid without the FAFSA form. Fact: Many states and colleges require students to submit the FAFSA form to be considered for state and school aid.
ALT Myth: The U.S. Department of Education offers only student loans. Fact: In addition to loans, many students may be eligible for federal grants (which don’t need to be repaid) and Federal Work-Study after they submit the FAFSA form.
ALT Key Facts About Your StudentAid.gov Account
ALT Parents’ and Spouses’ Roles on the FAFSA Form
ALT What does a contributor on the FAFSA form mean? A contributor is anyone required to provide information on the FAFSA form, sign the FAFSA form, and provide consent and approval to have their federal tax information transferred into the form. It can include a biological or adoptive parent, a spouse, or a parent’s spouse.
ALT What is required of a parent and spouse contributor? The FAFSA form will inform students if they need to invite a parent or spouse to their form. Invited contributors must use their own StudentAid.gov account to access the form, complete their required sections, provide their consent and approval, and sign the FAFSA form.
ALT Does being a contributor mean contributing to the student’s education costs? Being a parent or spouse contributor doesn’t mean you’re financially responsible for the student’s education costs. It also doesn’t mean you’re required to accept any loans. However, you must provide your information, consent and approval, and signature to calculate your student’s aid eligibility.
ALT 4 Things to Consider in Choosing a College or Career School
ALT Chart displaying the different types of federal student aid and the maximum award amounts for each. The maximum award amount for Federal Pell Grants (2026–27) is up to $7,395. The maximum award amount for Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is up to $4,000. The maximum award amount for Teacher Educational Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is up to $4,000. The maximum award amount for Federal Work-Study varies by school. The maximum award amount for Direct Subsidized Loans is up to $5,500 depending on your grade level and dependency status. The maximum award amount for Direct Unsubsidized Loans is up to $7,500 for dependent students (depending on grade level) and up to $12,500 for independent students (depending on grade level).
ALT Map displaying states whose 2027–28 FAFSA deadline is “ASAP After Oct. 1.” These states include Alaska, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, Washington.
