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FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Why file for FAFSA?

Eligible for free money for college, like Pell.

Eligible for work-study and student loans.

Eligible for statewide and local scholarships.

Did You Know?

For dependents*, parents have their own sections to complete and are called "contributors'" on the FAFSA. A "contributor" is anyone who has to include personal and financial information on the FAFSA.

Common FAFSA Myths

"FAFSA is only reserved for low-income students and families."

"Why should we apply for FAFSA? Our family's income is too high."

"FAFSA has been open, there won't be any left."

"I don't need FAFSA, I'm only going to a local school."

New Year, New FAFSA

What the FAFSA aims to change:

  • Reduction of questions.

  • Increase the number of applicants.

  • Increase in Pell Grants recipients.

  • Students and Contributors have their own role.

  • You can send your FAFSA to more schools.

Helpful Links & Information

FAFSA Main Homepage

FSA ID/Account Creation

  • The FSA ID is a username and password combination you use to log in to U.S. Department of Education (ED) online systems. The FSA ID is your legal signature and shouldn’t be created or used by anyone other than you—not even your parent, your child, a school official, or a loan company representative. You’ll use your FSA ID every year you fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form and for the lifetime of your federal student loans.

  • Learn more: Creating and Using the FSA ID.

  • Create an FSA ID - Quick Look

Necessary Documents to complete the 2025/26 FAFSA Form

  1. Valid Email Address ​for both student and parent/guardian

  2. Social security numbers – for student, and parent(s) if applicable ​

  3. Parents birth dates and dates of marriage/divorce if applicable ​

  4. Permanent resident card (if you have one) or Alien Registration Number if applicable ​

  5. 2022 Tax return (federal & state)/ record from two years prior for 2024-2025 school year

  6. W2 or documentation of money earned from other sources

  7. Siblings names/social security numbers if enrolled full-time in college also

  8. NYS ID number (Driver License number)

Create an FSA ID
Get Ready for the FAFSA!
What you need

Full name and social security number, as they appear on social security card (if applicable)
Date of birth
Valid email address & phone number
Immediate access to your email account
Your residential address

NEW YORK

FAFSA/READY