OCTOBER 2026

Tuesday Tips

Great news! The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available and easier than ever to complete. Filing the FAFSA each school year is the key to unlocking federal, state, and often institutional financial aid. Most people can complete their section of the FAFSA in less than 15 minutes. Follow these tips for the best FAFSA filing experience!

Create (or Confirm) Your StudentAid.gov Account

Before starting the FAFSA, each student and at least one parent of a dependent student will need to create their own StudentAid.gov account. To create an account, go to StudentAid.gov. If you’re unsure which parent needs an account, use the parent wizard tool. 

Use a personal email address rather than a school or work address when creating your account. The account is tied to your Social Security number, so you can only have one, and will be needed for years to come. Keep your username and password, as well as the backup code you’re given during account setup, in a secure location. 

Gather What You Need

Before starting the FAFSA, gather the following information for both the student and parent contributors (if the student is a dependent student): 

• 2025 tax returns and W-2s (the FAFSA uses tax information from two years prior) 
• Social Security numbers (if applicable) 
• A driver’s license, passport, state ID, or Permanent Resident Card (green card) 
• The amount of child support received, if applicable, for the most recently completed tax year 
• Current balances in checking and savings accounts, non-retirement investments (i.e. 529 accounts), and other real estate (primary residences are excluded) 
• An email address for each contributor 
• A list of up to 20 colleges to receive the FAFSA information  

Decide Who Will Start the FAFSA

The FAFSA is a roles-based form. Either the student or the parent (if parent information is required) can start the FAFSA. We recommend that the student start as it simplifies the process. To start the FAFSA, the student will log into StudentAid.gov with their username and password, click on the FAFSA Form, and select their role as a student. Within the FAFSA the student will “invite” one parent contributor to complete the parent section by entering the parent’s email address and sending them an email. That invite is what links the student and parent sections of the FAFSA together. Once the invite is sent, the parent can begin their section. 

Apply as Early as Possible

Many schools have a priority filing deadlines or award aid on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited funding. The best way to maximize financial aid eligibility is to file the FAFSA as soon as you can. 

List Every School You’re Considering

When completing the student section of the FAFSA, students list the schools they want to receive their FAFSA information. We encourage students to list any school they are considering. Sending FAFSA information to a school does not commit you to attending; it simply keeps your options open. You can also add schools after submitting the FAFSA.

Students Should Have a Government-Issued Photo ID Handy

Every FAFSA is screened for fraud. A small number of applicants are asked to verify their identity in real time using a mobile phone or tablet and a government-issued photo ID. Acceptable IDs include an unexpired driver’s license, passport, state ID, or a green card. A birth certificate is not acceptable. If the verification screen times out because the student does not have a valid ID available, the student can still submit their FAFSA but will be required to follow up with their school to complete the verification process.

Have Questions? We Have Answers!

Use FAME’s Online Help 

• Prepare to file by reviewing FAME's Get Ready to File the 2027-28 FAFSA guide  
• Visit the Filing the FAFSA section of our website to learn how to get ready, what you'll need to have with you to file, and more!  
• Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions  

Contact a FAME FAFSA Expert 

• Call us at 1-800-228-3734 (TTY: 207-626-2717); option 4 
• Email us at Education@FAMEmaine.com  
• Schedule a free one-on-one Education Affordability Coaching appointment  

We're Here to Help!

FAME's Education Affordability and Financial Wellness Team

Education Affordability and Financial Wellness Counselors

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