Data Elements and Justification
2009-2010 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Step One
Question Number(s) |
Data Element(s) |
Data Element(s) Justification |
1-3 |
Student’s name |
1. Record identification. 2. Database matches. |
4-7 |
Student’s permanent mailing address |
Applicants that do not provide an e-mail address must provide a permanent mailing address in order to receive their FAFSA processing results. This address is also used to send the student a PIN, which allows student to access their application information over the Internet and sign future applications and corrections electronically. |
8 |
Student’s Social Security Number |
1. Section 484(a)(4)(B) of the HEA. To be eligible for Title IV student aid, a student must file with the application such student's Social Security Number except for applicants from the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau. (See 34 CFR 668.32(i)) 2. Record identification. 3. Database matches. 4. Identifies duplicate applications. |
9 |
Student’s date of birth |
1. Section 476(c)(3) and 477(c)(3) of the HEA. Used to determine an asset protection allowance for the computation of discretionary net worth for the independent student. 2. Record identification. 3. Database matches. 4. System edits. (Cross check with question number 48: "Were you born before January 1, 1986?"). |
10 |
Student’s permanent telephone number |
Used to identify the applicant to permit servicing and collecting of student loans. Also used by customer service operations. |
11-12
|
Student’s driver’s license number and state |
Used to identify the applicant and to permit servicing and collecting of Perkins Loans and Stafford Loans (both Direct and FFEL). Also used for collection of grant overpayments. |
13 |
Student’s e-mail address |
Used to communicate with the student electronically. |
14 |
Student’s citizenship |
Section 484(a)(5) of the Act limits Title IV eligibility to United States citizens or nationals who are permanent residents of the United States, in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and able to provide evidence from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of his or her intent to become a citizen or permanent resident, or other persons who meet special conditions. ED performs database matches with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and DHS to verify eligibility. |
15 |
Student’s Alien Registration Number |
Section 484(h) of the Act requires institutional collection and verification of eligible non-citizen status. ED uses the Alien Registration Number to perform a computer match with files from DHS of persons who are eligible to receive Title IV aid. This facilitates the verification process, improves its accuracy and reduces the chance of fraud. |
16 |
Student’s marital status |
Sections 474(b)(5), 476(b)(4), and 477(b)(5). Used in determining the expected family contributions for independent students. Used in determining the appropriate independent formula and for the employment expense allowance calculation. |
17 |
Date student was married, widowed, separated, or divorced |
Section 483(a)(1) requires inclusion of data items selected in consultation with the states to assist the states in awarding state student financial assistance. |
18 |
Student’s state of legal residence |
Sections 475(g)(3), 476(b)(2), and 477(b)(2) of the HEA, as amended. Used to determine an allowance for state and local taxes for the computation of the dependent and independent student’s available taxable income. |
19 |
Whether student became resident of state prior to January 1, 2004. |
Section 483(a)(1) requires inclusion of data items selected in consultation with the states to assist the states in awarding state student financial assistance. |
20 |
Student’s date of legal residence in state |
Section 483(a)(1) requires inclusion of data items selected in consultation with the states to assist the states in awarding state student financial assistance. |
21-22
|
Selective Service registration
|
Section 484(n) requires a student to register with the Selective Service to be eligible for federal student aid. |
23 |
Drug Conviction |
Section 484(r)(1) denies Title IV eligibility to applicants with drug-related convictions under certain circumstances. |
24-25 |
Highest educational level completed by student’s mother and father |
Section 483(q)(1) requires inclusion of data items selected in consultation with the states to assist the states in awarding state student financial assistance. Used by TRIO program, states, and institutions to determine the amount of eligibility and facilitate the packaging of federal student aid. Reduces burden on states and institutions. |
26 |
High school completion status |
Used by institutions to determine if student is eligible to receive Title IV aid. Students are required to have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent in order to receive federal student aid. Section 483(a)(1) requires inclusion of data items selected in consultation with the states to assist the states in awarding state student financial assistance. |
27 |
First bachelor’s degree |
Section 401(a)(1) of the HEA limits Federal Pell Grant eligibility to students pursuing an undergraduate course of study. Section 413B(b)(1) of the HEA limits Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant eligibility to students pursuing an undergraduate course of study. |
28 |
Student’s grade level in 2009-2010 |
Used to determine loan limits under the Federal Direct Loan and Federal Family Education Loan programs. |
29 |
Degree/Certificate student will be working on in 2009-2010 |
Section 483(a)(1) requires inclusion of data items selected in consultation with the states to assist the states in awarding state student financial assistance. |
30 |
Enrollment status in 2009-2010 |
Used by states and institutions to determine the amount of eligibility and facilitate the packaging of federal student aid. Reduces burden on states and institutions. |
31 |
Interest in other types of student aid |
Used by institutions to determine if student is interested in student loans and/or work-study. |
32 |
Planning to complete coursework to become an teacher |
The College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) authorized a new grant program under Subpart 9 of Part A of Title IV of the HEA to prepare individuals who plan to become teachers. |
Step Two
33-35 |
Type of tax return |
Used for verification of income reported on the application and for determining the tax filing criteria used in determining the eligibility for and calculation of the simplified needs test and automatic zero EFC under Section 479 of the HEA. |
36 |
2008 adjusted gross income (AGI) |
Sections 475(g)(1), 476(b)(1), 477(b)(1), 479, and 480(a) of the HEA. The base year income for the dependent student and the independent student (and spouse) is used to determine total and available income for the computation of the dependent or independent student’s contribution under Part F-Need Analysis. |
37 |
2008 income tax paid |
Sections 475(g)(2)(A), 476(b)(1)(A)(i) and 477(b)(1)(A) of the HEA. The amounts of federal income taxes of the dependent student and of the independent student (and spouse) are used in determining contribution from available income. |
38 |
2008 exemptions |
Used in the editing system. Also used to calculate estimated tax for verification purposes. Used by states to award student financial assistance. |
39-40 |
2008 income earned from work |
Sections 475(g)(4), 476(b)(3), and 477(b)(3). Used to determine the Social Security Tax Allowance for the computation of available income for the dependent and independent student contribution. Sections 476(b)(4), and 477(b)(5). Also used to determine an employment expense allowance for independent students, and available income for the independent student’s contribution. |
41 |
Cash, savings and checking accounts |
Sections 474(b)(4), 475(h), 476(c)(2)(A), 477(c)(2)(A) and 480(f) of the HEA. The student’s and/or spouse’s cash, savings and checking accounts are used to determine net worth for calculating expected family contribution for both dependent and independent students. |
42 |
Current net worth of investments |
Sections 474(b)(4), 475(h), 476(c)(2)(B), 477(c)(2)(B) and 480(f) of the HEA. The student’s and/or spouse’s other real estate and investments and associated debts are used to determine adjusted net worth for calculating expected family contribution for both dependent and independent students. |
43 |
Current net worth of business and/or investment farm |
Sections 474(b)(4), 475(h), 476(c)(2)(C), 477(c)(2)(C) and 480(f) of the HEA. The student’s and/or spouse’s business and/or investment farm assets and associated debts are used to determine net worth for calculating expected family contribution for both dependent and independent students. A family farm, on which the family resides, is excluded from the calculation of EFC. A family business that is owned and controlled by the family with fewer than 100 full-time equivalent employees is also excluded. |
44-45 |
Veterans education benefits |
Used by institutions under Sections 428 and 480(j)(1) to determine a student’s eligibility for funds under this title. In the calculation of a student’s eligibility for federal aid, used to determine the amount of estimated financial assistance. Also used by states to determine state aid eligibility. |
46 |
Student and spouse additional financial information |
Sections 480(a) and 480(e) of the HEA. Used to derive a figure for “excludable income” such as student financial aid, child support paid, etc., which is not to be included in defining total income for purposes of computing the expected family contribution. |
47 |
Student and spouse untaxed income |
Sections 480(b) and 480(c) of the HEA. Untaxed income for students and parents is used to determine available income for computing parental and student contribution. |
Step Three
48 |
Born before January 1, 1986? |
Sections 480(d)(1)(A) through 480(d)(1)(I) of the HEA. Used to determine whether applicant qualifies as a dependent or independent student. These elements (questions 48 through 60) are needed to determine whether parental data must be supplied and, therefore, which sections of the form the applicant needs to complete. Questions 56-60 gather information mandated by the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) |
49 |
Married? |
|
50 |
Enrolled in graduate or professional program in 2009-2010? |
|
51 |
Currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces? |
|
52 |
Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces? |
|
53 |
Have children? |
|
54 |
Have non-children dependents other than a spouse? |
|
55 |
Orphan, ward, or dependent of the court? |
|
56 |
Court decided you are an emancipated minor? |
|
57 |
Court decided you are in a legal guardianship? |
|
58 |
High school district homeless liaison determine you are unaccompanied youth who was homeless? |
|
59 |
Director of HUD-funded emergency shelter program determine that you were unaccompanied youth who was homeless? |
|
60 |
Director of runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program determine that you were unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless? |
|
Step Four
61 |
Parents’ current marital status |
Section 475(f) of the HEA. Used in determining whose income is to be reported in calculating the expected family contribution. |
62 |
Date parents were married, widowed, separated, or divorced |
Used to identify records in a proposed IRS income verification match. |
63-70 |
Parents’ Social Security Numbers, last names, first initials, and dates of birth |
Section 483(a)(7) of the HEA, and proposed IRS match. Section 484(q) of the HEA and proposed IRS match. Used by the Department to estimate erroneous Pell Grant payments as required by the Improper Payments Act, by matching against an IRS database each year. |
71 |
Parents’ e-mail address |
Used to communicate with the parents electronically. |
72 |
Parents’ state of legal residence |
Section 475(c)(1) and 475(c)(2) of the Act. Used to determine state and other tax allowances for the computation of parental available income. |
73-74 |
Parents’ date of legal residence in state |
Section 483(a)(1) requires inclusion of data items selected in consultation with the states to assist the states in awarding state student financial assistance. |
75 |
Number in parents’ household |
Sections 475(c)(1), 475(c)(4), and 480(l) of the HEA. Used to determine an income protection allowance for computation of parental income. |
76 |
Parents’ number in college in 2009-2010 |
Section 475(b)(3) of the HEA. The expected family contribution from income and assets is divided by the number of persons in college (excluding parents) who are enrolled on at least a half time basis in a recognized degree or certificate program at an eligible institution to determine the family contribution for the applicant. |
77-81 |
Parents received federal benefits in 2007 or 2008 |
Sections 479(b) and 479(c). The Higher Education Reconciliation Act (HERA) states that a family is eligible for the simplified needs and automatic zero calculation if the student or parents received benefits and met the appropriate income threshold. |
82-84 |
Parents’ type of tax return |
Used for verification of income reported on the application and for determining the tax filing criteria used in determining the eligibility for and calculation of the simplified needs tests and automatic zero EFC under Section 479 of the HEA. |
85 |
Dislocated worker |
The College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) authorized simplified needs test and auto zero formula treatment under Section 479 for parents of dependent students if either parent is a dislocated worker. |
86 |
Parents’ 2008 AGI |
Sections 475(b)(1) and 480(a) of the HEA. The base year income for the dependent student’s parents is used to determine total and available income for the computation of parental contribution. |
87 |
Parents’ 2008 income tax paid |
Section 475(c)(1)(A) of the HEA. The amounts of federal income taxes of the dependent student’s parents are used in determining contribution from available income. |
88 |
Parents’ 2008 exemptions |
Used in the editing system. Used to calculate estimated tax for verification purposes. Also used by states to award student financial assistance. |
89-90 |
Parents’ 2008 income earned from work |
Section 475(c)(3). Used to determine the Social Security Tax Allowance for the computation of available income for the parent contribution. Section 475(c)(5). Also used to determine an employment expense allowance for parents of dependent students, and available income for the parental contribution. |
91 |
Parents’ cash, savings, and checking accounts |
Sections 474(b)(4), 475(d)(2)(A) and 480(f) of the Act. The parent’s cash, savings and checking accounts are used to determine net worth for calculating EFC. |
92 |
Parents’ current net worth of investments |
Sections 474(b)(4), 475(d)(2)(B), and 480(f) of the Act. The parent’s other real estate and investments and associated debts are used to determine adjusted net worth for calculating EFC. |
93 |
Parents’ current net worth of business and/or investment farm |
Sections 474(b)(4), 475(h), 476(c)(2)(C), 477(c)(2)(C) and 480(f) of the Act. The parent’s business and/or investment farm assets and associated debts are used to determine net worth for calculating EFC for both dependent and independent students. A family farm, on which the family resides and materially operates, is excluded from the calculation of EFC. A family business that is owned and controlled by the family with fewer than 100 full-time employees is also excluded. |
94 |
Parents’ additional financial aid information |
Sections 480(a) and 480(e) of the HEA. Used to derive a figure for “excludable income” such as student financial aid, child support paid, etc., which is not to be included in defining total income for purposes of computing the expected family contribution. |
95 |
Parents’ untaxed income |
Section 480(b) and 480(c) of the HEA. Untaxed income for parents is used to determine available income for computing parental and student contribution. |
Step Five
96 |
Number in student household |
Sections 476(b)(1), 477(b)(4), and 480(l) of the HEA. Used to determine an income protection allowance for computation of independent student income. |
97 |
Number in college in 2008-2009 |
Sections 476(a)(2) and 477(a)(3) of the HEA. The expected family contribution from income and assets is divided by the number of persons in college who are enrolled on at least a half-time basis at an eligible institution to determine the expected family contribution for the applicant. |
98-102 |
Student or Spouse received federal benefits in 2007-2008 |
Sections 479(b) and 479(c). The Higher Education Reconciliation Act (HERA) states that a family is eligible for the simplified needs and automatic zero calculation if the student or parents received benefits and met the appropriate income threshold. |
103 |
Dislocated worker |
The College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA), Section 479 authorizes simplified needs test and automatic zero formula treatment for independent students if either the student or the student’s spouse is a dislocated worker. Consistent with Sec. 479(c), an independent student with no dependents other than a spouse remains ineligible for an automatic zero EFC determination. |
Step Six
104a-104h |
Student’s college selections and expected housing status at each |
Used to generate electronic data rosters of applicants to educational institutions. These rosters facilitate the disbursement of aid by notifying financial aid administrators of the status of applicants who attend or may attend the institution. Reduces burden and facilitates the award process. |
Step Seven
105-106 |
Certifications, date, and signatures |
Serves as certification of the validity of the information reported on the application and as an edit. |
107-109 |
Preparer’s Information |
Section 483(e) of the HEA requires that any application shall include the name, address, organizational affiliation, and either the social security number or employer identification number of the preparer of such application. |
Data
Elements and Justification
2009-2010 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
File Type | application/msword |
File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
File Created | 0000-00-00 |