HOULTON, Maine — The Finance Authority of Maine will host a presentation on the FAFSA application changes on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m. at the Houlton High School auditorium for Houlton and Hodgdon high school students and parents.
The free application for Federal student aide (FAFSA) begins in October for all students applying to college in 2017-2018. This meeting is particularly crucial for any seniors who will be graduating this school year and attending higher education because of the new information and guidelines.
Among the major changes this year are:
– File early. The 2017-2018 FAFSA will require 2015 income information, so applicants will no longer have to estimate income information. There is no downside to filing early, and it is one of the best ways to maximize your financial aid eligibility.
– Get your FSA IDs now. The FSA ID is the username and password students use to access all federal student aid websites, including FAFSA.gov. All students need an FSA ID. Dependent students will also need one parent to have an FSA ID in order to sign the FAFSA. We strongly recommend that students (and one parent, if applicable) create their FSA ID ahead of time. Go to fsaid.ed.gov to create an FSA ID and use FAME’s FSA ID Information Tracking Sheet to keep track of FSA ID information.
– Learn more about the financial aid process. Regardless of whether you’re familiar with the process or new to the world of financial aid, FAME can help. FAME partners with high schools throughout the state to offer in-person financial aid presentations. Additionally, we will be hosting several on-line webinars during the month of September. For a schedule of these presentations and webinars, please visit FAME’s Events page.
– Prepare to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. Most applicants who were required to file federal income taxes will be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing the FAFSA. We strongly recommend using the tool. To retrieve IRS information, mailing address information must be entered exactly as shown on the tax return. Having student (and parent, if applicable) 2015 federal income tax return(s) available when completing the FAFSA will make the process easier.
– Locate a FAME In-Person FAFSA Help Session. Many people find that completing the FAFSA is now easier than ever. However, if you would like in-person help, join us at one of FAME’s In-Person FAFSA Help sessions. Not able to attend a session? Visit FAMEmaine.com/FAFSA for on-line help or contact a FAME expert at 1-800-228-3734 or Education@FAMEmaine.com.
For further information please contact the guidance counselors at Houlton High School (532-6551) or Hodgdon (532-2413).
