Requirements for verification of the applicant’s data on the FAFSA:
A certain portion of FAFSAs submitted to the CPS are subject to a process called Verification. Verification means that the applicant is asked to “verify” or confirm that the information on the application is correct.
Verification requires the applicant and spouse or parent (if applicable) to sign a Verification Worksheet. In addition, the applicant is required to submit a copy of the prior year’s federal tax return to the Financial Aid Office. If the applicant is married, the return(s) must include the spouse’s information. If the applicant is dependent, copies of the parents’ prior year’s tax return(s) are also required.
Time period within which required documentation must be provided:
Except in instances where extenuating circumstances intervene, the required documentation must be provided within 30 days of the date the applicant is notified to do so. All financial aid disbursements are withheld until this process has been completed.
Consequences of failure to provide the information within the 30-day period:
Students will receive no disbursement of funds if they fail to provide the information required for verification within 30 days, and they may be dismissed from school. In addition, they will be expected to make cash payments in lieu of any expected financial aid disbursements to the Institution. If the results of the verification satisfy the requirements, the first disbursement of funds to which the student is entitled will be released. If the verification results in conflicting information, the student will be called into the Financial Aid Office and the items that were not accurate will be discussed and further documentation will be sought.
The student (and/or the family) will be required to correct inaccurate information by resubmitting the aid application (with corrected information) to the Central Processor.
If the Institution has reason to believe that any application has been intentionally submitted under false or fraudulent circumstances, such application will be referred to the Department of Education’s Office of the Inspector General.<
