FAFSA/Bright Futures

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-2025 academic year is now available periodically through a soft launch period at StudentAid.gov.  There are numerous reports of technical difficulties with the new FAFSA form and applicants are experiencing long wait times when calling for support. 

*Please note, while a completed FAFSA must be on record in order to be eligible for any federal "need based" financial aid, most colleges will require a FAFSA in order to be eligible for any merit-based scholarships as well. Please check each college's financial aid website for their FAFSA policy.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE SOFT LAUNCH:

• Students and all contributors must create a FSA ID. Students won't be able to finalize their FAFSA until their FSA ID has been verified, usually 1-3 business days AFTER they create their FSA ID. 

• All students and parents contributing to the FAFSA will need an FSA ID. If you don't already have one, you can create an account here

  • Click for FSA ID without a SSN instructions.

  • Click for the FSA "Knowledge Center" for no SSN.

  • FSA webinar for the FSA ID process for those without a SSN

• You may be unable to access the FAFSA on studentaid.gov due to periods of maintenance downtime throughout January. The form is expected to be fully available later in January and February. 

• You need to check each college you've applied to and see if they have a "FAFSA Priority Deadline" and when it is.

• Although you may be able to complete the form, the Federal Student Aid office (FSA) will not transmit your FAFSA to any institution until late January.

• Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation email noting their submission date, estimated Student Aid Index (SAI), and estimated Federal Pell Grant eligibility.

• You will receive an email when your FAFSA Submission Summary is available to view online.

Learn more about the soft launch period here.

Visit the Federal Student Aid YouTube channel for helpful links and videos on the FAFSA changes.

Click for the Federal Student Aid (FSA) 2024-25 FAFSA Materials and Websites

Dear Warrior Families!

I am here to help support you and your students with resources to complete the FAFSA, but WOHS does not have access to your FAFSA information at any time. Therefore all technical support and concerns about your FAFSA should be directed to the Federal Student Aid office at StudentAid.gov. Please email me if you need support or help with additional resources. 

-Mrs. Maroth

catherine.maroth@ocps.net