steps to completing the FAFSA Application

FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Steps:

1. Create an FSA ID

   • FSA ID: Electronic Signature to sign and submit your FAFSA.

   • You and a parent MUST BOTH have an FSA ID.

   • Click here to create your FSA ID. 

What will I need to complete FAFSA?

• You and your parent both need to create a separate FSA ID.

• Family's 2023 tax return with W-2's (parent and student if filed). 

• Social Security numbers, dates of birth and email addresses for parents and students or alien registration number/A-number/ USCIS number. 

• Parent's current marital status. Month and year of parents' marriage, legal separation or divorce (if applicable). 

• Amount of money parents and students have in checking/savings account. 

• Investments, businesses or investment properties (NOT including the home you live in).

FAFSA

• Money from the Federal Government to help pay for college.

• Make sure you are completing the form for the 2024-2025 school year. 

• FAFSA will ask questions about BOTH the student and the parent(s). 

• Students and parents will enter in their financial infromation for the current tax year. This information will be sent to the colleges you are applying to and they will determine how much money you are eligible to receive. 

• You must list all colleges you have applied to on your FAFSA. 

TAP: Tuition Assistance Program

• Money that comes from New York State to help pay for college.

• TAP will only be applicable to colleges in New York State. 

• In the past you were able to complete your TAP right after submitting your FAFSA. 

*As a reminder, if you have any questions as you work on the TAP application, please call the helpline: 1-888-NYSHESC (1-888-697-4372). 

After you Submit FAFSA:

Click "Start your state application to apply for New York state-based financial aid." 

If you fail to click this link, you can still complete TAP. Click here.