New terminology: instead of parent, FAFSA now uses “contributor”

• A Contributor refers to anyone who is required to provide information, consent and approval, and a signature on the FAFSA form. 

• This may include:

• Student

• Student’s spouse

• Biological or adoptive parent

• Stepparent

• Contributors are determined by

• Dependency status

• Tax filing

• Marital status

• Being identified as a contributor does not mean financial responsibility. 

• Federal Tax information will be transferred directly from the IRS into the FAFSA form

• Contributors must provide consent and approval for the transfer of federal tax information and are required to be eligible for federal student aid.

• Each contributor needs an FSA ID. 

• You can view the contributor process and status in your FAFSA account. 

• Students can now select up to 20 schools on their FAFSA form

• New terminology: instead of EFC (Estimated Family Contribution), FAFSA now uses SAI (Student Aid Index) This is the number that you receive after completing your FAFSA. 

What you need to apply for FAFSA:

• FSA ID - your legal signature that ties your SSN (social security number) to an email address/phone number. Please DO NOT use your school email address. Every “contributor” will need a FSA ID. FSA ID video link

• Students will invite “contributors” to their FAFSA form. 

• FAFSA will pull tax information directly from the IRS. You may need additional supporting documents to complete your form. Supporting documents may include: 

• Tax returns

• Records of child support 

• Current balances of cash, savings and checking accounts

• Net worth of investments, business & farms