FILL OUT THAT FAFSA!

Fill out that FAFSA!

Sorry for shouting, but we wanted to make sure we got your attention. If you, your daughter or son, are planning to attend classes next year, it’s important you complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). It’s required of all students filing for financial aid and by most colleges for their college scholarships. The great news, really, is the federal government has made some changes over the last couple of years to improve the system. Those include moving the date students can begin filing to October 1 (you used to have to wait until January) and you can use last year’s tax information instead of waiting until this year’s tax forms are completed.

That means you can file the FAFSA earlier and, in turn, learn what your federal financial aid eligibility is much sooner. In addition to all that, the government has announced a new app called myStudentAid is now available in the Apple Store and Google Play, making the form available on your phone. If you’ve filled out the form previously, you’ll notice the FAFSA website has changed. That was done to accommodate use on cellphones and tablets. Everyone is encouraged to file the FAFSA and determine their eligibility for financial aid. Many people are surprised to learn they are, indeed, eligible. To learn more go to eicc.edu/fafsainfo