A miracle! Online FAFSA form shortened, simplified
Proof that miracles do happen? A government form just got shorter – and easier – to complete.
On Jan. 1, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, debuted a sleeker, simpler look on the Web. Changes to the form, which is used to determine eligibility for student financial aid ranging from federal and state grants to work-studies and loans, include fewer questions, friendlier online navigation and the ability to import tax information from the IRS, according to the Education Department.
Education Secretary Arne Duncan hopes the streamlined FAFSA will encourage more students to apply, according to USA Today.
Jan. 1 was the first day students were eligible to file the 2010-2011 FAFSA. The College Board recommends filing as close to that date as possible, since deadlines vary and aid often is determined on a first-come basis.
One final word of advice: Before you start filling out your FAFSA, take the confusion out of whether or not your Veterans Affairs educational benefits affect your eligibility for financial aid by visiting http://www.gibill.va.gov/training/Presentations/FAFSA_and_VA_Education_Benefits.pdf
