AUGUST 2025

Tuesday Tips

Exciting FAFSA Changes That Will Benefit Students and Families

Real-Time Identity Verification

As of August 4, all users who create a StudentAid.gov account with a Social Security number (SSN) will have their accounts verified immediately, instead of the prior one- to three-day waiting period. This means a FAFSA can be started immediately after account creation, and tax information, when available, will be transferred in real time from the IRS.

Simplified Contributor Invite Process

Students completing a 2026–27 FAFSA will be able to invite a parent or spouse as a contributor simply by entering their email address. No longer will students need to provide their contributor’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Entering a contributor's email address will generate a unique code that the contributor will use to access their section of the FAFSA. More details are to come, but we are very excited about this simplified process! 

Next Steps for Students and Families

Attend a Financial Aid Information Session

FAME offers both in-person and virtual sessions to help students and families understand and navigate the financial aid process. During these sessions, we’ll discuss the steps to get ready to apply for financial aid, provide an overview of the FAFSA, and explain what to expect after the FAFSA is submitted. We hope you’ll join us! Students and families report feeling much more confident and prepared after attending one of these sessions. Visit the Events page on our website for a list of upcoming sessions.

Connect with FAME for a Chance to Win a $1,000 Scholarship

To stay updated on the FAFSA and the financial aid process, please join our text and/or email list. We’ll send important reminders and tips to help you navigate the critical steps in the financial aid process. As an added incentive, students in the class of 2026 and their parents/caregivers who join our list will be entered into a drawing for one of three $1,000 Future Fund scholarships. To learn more about the scholarship drawing and to sign up, visit FAMEmaine.com/join.

Learn More About the Pathway That’s Right for You!

There are more options than ever available to gain the skills you need to achieve your educational and career goals. From apprenticeships to bachelor’s degrees, Maine offers diverse educational alternatives to match your learning style and aspirations. Visit our Maine Education Pathways page to learn more about the options available, including resources where you can learn more!

Get Your Questions Answered

• Have a question or two? Call us at 800-228-3734, option 4, or email us at Education@FAMEmaine.com.
• If you’d like to meet virtually with one of our financial aid experts, book a financial aid coaching appointment.
• Visit our website. We recommend starting with our Filing the FAFSA section as well as visiting our Resources and Tools page.

Next Steps for Education Professionals

FAME has resources available to support our amazing partners, including school counselors, college access professionals, teachers, and financial aid staff.

Wednesday Webinar Series

During the school year, we host our Wednesday Webinar series on the second Wednesday of each month. Two upcoming webinars directly related to the financial aid process will be held in September and October, and registration is open now!

Resources for Educators

Visit the Resources for Educators section of our website, where you'll find both in-person and virtual professional development events, recorded training sessions, and a variety of FAFSA resources, including posters, sample scripts, links to the Federal Student Aid Estimator tool and the FAFSA Prototype, FAFSA completion rates by high school, and more! 

Additional Tips and Resources

FREE FAME Resource: Filing the FAFSA

FAME has pulled together everything you need to know about filing the FAFSA and put it in one place.

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FAME's Education Affordability & Financial Wellness Team

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