Paper FAFSA

Use this form to apply free for federal and
state student grants, work-study and loans.
Or apply free online
at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Applying by the Deadlines
For federal aid, submit your application as early as possible, but no earlier than
January 1, 2009. We must receive your application no later than June 30, 2010. Your
college must have your correct, complete information by your last day of enrollment
in the 2009-2010 school year.
For state or college aid, the deadline may be as early as January 2009. See the table
to the right for state deadlines. You may also need to complete additional forms.
Check with your high school guidance counselor or a financial aid administrator at
your college about state and college sources of student aid and deadlines.
If you are filing close to one of these deadlines, we recommend you file online at
www.fafsa.ed.gov. This is the fastest and easiest way to apply for aid.

Using Your Tax Return

Filling Out the FAFSA
Your answers on this form will be read electronically. Therefore:
• use black ink and fill in circles completely:
• print clearly in CAPITAL letters and skip
a box between words:
• report dollar amounts (such as $12,356.41)
like this:

Correct

15
$

Incorrect

ELM

ST

12356

Check with your financial aid administrator
for these states and territories:
AL, *AS, CO, *FM, GA, *GU, *HI, *MH, *MP, NE, *NM,
*NV, OR, PR, *PW, *SD, *TX, UT, *VA, *VI, *VT, WA, WI and *WY.

AK
AR

AZ
*^CA
#*CT
*DC
DE
FL
^IA
*#*ID
#IL
IN
#*KS
#KY
^LA
#^MA
MD
ME
MI
MN
MO
*#MS

no cents

Green is for student information and purple is for parent information.
If you or your family has unusual circumstances (such as loss of employment),
complete this form to the extent you can, then submit it as instructed and consult
with the financial aid office at the college you plan to attend.

*#MT
NC
ND
NH
^NJ

For more information or help in filling out the FAFSA, call 1-800-4-FED-AID
(1-800-433-3243). TTY users (for the hearing impaired) may call 1-800-730-8913.

Mailing Your FAFSA
After you complete this application, make a copy of pages 3 through 8 for your
records. Then mail the original of pages 3 through 8 in the attached envelope or send
it to: Federal Student Aid Programs, P.O. Box 7001, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864-0071.
After your application is processed, you will receive a summary of your information in
your Student Aid Report (SAR). If you provide an e-mail address, your SAR will be
sent by e-mail within 3-5 days. If you do not provide an e-mail address, your SAR will
be mailed to you within three weeks. If you would like to check the status of your
FAFSA, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov or call 1-800-4-FED-AID.

Let’s Get Started!
Now go to page 3 of the application form and begin filling it out. Refer to the
notes as instructed.

2008-12-12 Draft

*^NY
OH
*#OK
*PA

#RI
SC
*#TN
*^WV

April 15, 2009 (date received)
Academic Challenge - June 1, 2009
Workforce Grant - Contact your financial aid
administrator.
Higher Education Opportunity Grant
- June 1, 2009 (fall term)
- November 1, 2009 (spring term)
(date received)
March 1, 2010 (date received)
Initial awards - March 2, 2009
Additional community college awards
- September 2, 2009 (date postmarked)
February 15, 2009 (date received)
June 30, 2009 (date received by state)
April 15, 2009 (date received)
May 15, 2009 (date processed)
July 1, 2009 (date received)
Opportunity Scholarship - March 1, 2009
(date received)
First-time applicants - September 30, 2009
Continuing applicants - August 15, 2009
(date received)
March 10, 2009 (date received)
April 1, 2009 (date received)
March 15, 2009 (date received)
July 1, 2009 (date received)
May 1, 2009 (date received)
March 1, 2009 (date received)
May 1, 2009 (date received)
March 1, 2009 (date received)
30 days after term starts (date received)
April 1, 2009 (date received)
MTAG and MESG Grants - September 15, 2009
HELP Scholarship - March 31, 2009
(date processed)
March 1, 2009 (date received)
March 15, 2009 (date received)
March 15, 2009 (date received)
May 1, 2009 (date received)
June 1, 2009, if you received a Tuition Aid Grant
in 2008-2009
All other applicants
- October 1, 2009, fall & spring terms
- March 1, 2010, spring term only
(date received)
May 1, 2010 (date received)
October 1, 2009 (date received)
April 15, 2009 (date received) for best consideration
All 2008-2009 State Grant recipients & all
non-2008-2009 State Grant recipients in degree
programs - May 1, 2009
All other applicants - August 1, 2009
(date received)
March 1, 2009 (date received)
Tuition Grants - June 30, 2009 (date received)
State Grant - March 1, 2009
State Lottery - September 1, 2009
(date received)
March 1, 2009 (date received)

# For priority consideration, submit application by date specified.
^ Applicants encouraged to obtain proof of mailing.
* Additional form may be required.

STATE AID DEADLINES

If you are supposed to file a 2008 federal income tax return, we recommend that you
complete it before filling out this form. If you have not yet filed your return, you can
still submit your FAFSA, but you must provide income and tax information. Once you
file your tax return, correct any income or tax information that is different from what
you initially submitted on your FAFSA.

STATE AID DEADLINES

Notes for questions 14 and 15 (page 3)

Notes for questions 38 (page 4)

If you are an eligible noncitizen, write in your eight- or nine-digit Alien
Registration Number. Generally, you are an eligible noncitizen if you
are (1) a permanent U.S. resident with a Permanent Resident Card
(I-551); (2) a conditional permanent resident (I-551C); or (3) the holder
of an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of
Homeland Security showing any one of the following designations:
“Refugee,” “Asylum Granted,” “Parolee” (I-94 confirms that you were
paroled for a minimum of one year and status has not expired), “Victim
of human trafficking,” T-Visa holder (T-1, T-2, T-3, etc.) or “CubanHaitian Entrant.”

and 88 (page 7) — Notes for those who filed a 1040EZ

If you are in the U.S. on an F1 or F2 student visa, a J1 or J2 exchange
visitor visa, or a G series visa (pertaining to international organizations),
select “No, I am not a citizen or eligible noncitizen.” You will not be
eligible for federal student aid; however, you should still complete the
application because you may be eligible for state or college aid.

Notes for question 30 (page 4)
For undergraduates, select the enrollment status for the college you
will most likely attend.
• “Full-time” generally means taking at least 12 credit hours in a term
or 24 clock hours per week.
• “3/4-time” generally means taking at least 9 credit hours in a term or
18 clock hours per week.
• “Half-time” generally means taking at least 6 credit hours in a term or
12 clock hours per week.

Notes for question 32 (page 4)
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education
(TEACH) Grant Program provides grants to students enrolled in a
participating college who intend to teach in a public or private
elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income
families. Answer “Yes” to learn more about the TEACH Grant. Answer
“No” if you are not interested in the TEACH Grant. Answer “Don’t
know” if you are not sure but would like more information about the
TEACH Grant. Additional information about the TEACH Grant Program
is available at www.teachgrant.ed.gov.

Notes for questions 34 (page 4)
and 83 (page 6)
If you filed or will file a foreign tax return, a tax return with Puerto Rico,
another U.S. territory (e.g., Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin
Islands, Swain’s Island or the Northern Marianas Islands) or one of the
freely associated states (i.e., the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the
Marshall Islands or the Federated States of Micronesia), use the
information from that return to fill out this form. If you filed a foreign
return, convert all monetary units to U.S. dollars, using the exchange
rate that is in effect today. To view the daily exchange rate, go to
www.federalreserve.gov/releases/h10/update.

On the 1040EZ, if a person checked either the “you” or “spouse” box
on line 5, use 1040EZ worksheet line F to determine the number of
exemptions ($3,500 equals one exemption). If a person didn’t check
either box on line 5, enter 01 if he or she is single, or 02 if he or she is
married.

Notes for questions 42 and 43 (page 4)
and 92 and 93 (page 7)
Net worth means current value minus debt. If net worth is one million
dollars or more, enter $999,999. If net worth is negative, enter 0.
Investments include real estate (do not include the home you live in),
trust funds, UGMA and UTMA accounts, money market funds, mutual
funds, certificates of deposit, stocks, stock options, bonds, other
securities, installment and land sale contracts (including mortgages
held), commodities, etc.
Investments also include qualified educational benefits or education
savings accounts such as Coverdell savings accounts, 529 college
savings plans and the refund value of 529 prepaid tuition plans. For a
student who does not report parental information, the accounts owned
by the student (and the student’s spouse) are reported as student
investments in question 42. For a student who must report parental
information, the accounts are reported as parental investments in
question 92, including all accounts owned by the student and all
accounts owned by the parents for any member of the household.
Investments do not include the home you live in, the value of life
insurance, retirement plans (401[k] plans, pension funds, annuities,
non-education IRAs, Keogh plans, etc.) or cash, savings and checking
accounts already reported in questions 41 and 91.
Investment value means the current balance or market value of these
investments as of today. Investment debt means only those debts that
are related to the investments.
Business and/or investment farm value includes the market value of
land, buildings, machinery, equipment, inventory, etc. Business and/or
investment farm debt means only those debts for which the business
or investment farm was used as collateral.
Business value does not include the value of a small business if your
family owns and controls more than 50 percent of the business and the
business has 100 or fewer full-time or full-time equivalent employees.
For small business value, your family includes (1) persons directly
related to you, such as a parent, sister or cousin, or (2) persons who
are or were related to you by marriage, such as a spouse, stepparent
or sister-in-law.
Investment farm value does not include the value of a family farm
that you (your spouse and/or your parents) live on and operate.

Notes for question 45 (page 4)

Notes for questions 35 (page 4)

Enter the correct number in the box in question 45 to indicate what
type of veterans education benefits you will receive.

and 84 (page 6)

Enter 1 for Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (Chapter 30)

In general, a person is eligible to file a 1040A or 1040EZ if he or she
makes less than $100,000, does not itemize deductions, does not
receive income from his or her own business or farm and does not
receive alimony. A person is not eligible to file a 1040A or 1040EZ if he
or she makes $100,000 or more, itemizes deductions, receives income
from his or her own business or farm, is self-employed, receives
alimony or is required to file Schedule D for capital gains. If you filed a
1040 only to claim Hope or Lifetime Learning credits, and you would
have otherwise been eligible for a 1040A or 1040EZ, you should
answer “Yes” to this question. If you filed a 1040 and were not
required to file a tax return, you should answer “Yes” to this question.

Enter 2 for Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)

2008-12-12 Draft

Enter 3 for Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
Enter 4 for Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1607)
Enter 5 for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31)
Enter 6 for Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35)
Enter 7 for any other type of veterans education benefits
Note that the financial aid administrator at your college will need you to
provide information about the amount of education benefits you will
receive.

Page 2

Notes continued on page 9.

Step One:

OMB # 1845-0001

For questions 1-32, leave blank any questions that do not apply to you (the student).
Your full name (exactly as it appears on your Social Security card)
2. First
1. Last
name
name

Your permanent mailing address
4. Number and
street (include
apt. number)
5. City (and
country if not
U.S.)

6. State
9. Your date
of birth

8. Your Social Security Number

—

—

MONTH

DAY

3. Middle
initial

7. ZIP code
10. Your permanent telephone number

YEAR

(

M M D D 1 9 Y Y

)

—

12. Your driver’s
license state

11. Your driver’s
license number

13. Your e-mail address. (If you provide your e-mail address, we will communicate with you electronically. For example, when your FAFSA has been
processed, you will be notified by e-mail. Your e-mail address will also be shared with your state and the colleges listed on your FAFSA to allow
them to communicate with you. If you prefer to be contacted by postal mail or do not have an e-mail address, please leave this field blank.)

@
14. Are you a U.S.
citizen?
Mark only one.
See Notes page 2.

Yes, I am a U.S. citizen (U.S. national). Skip to question 16.

1

No, but I am an eligible noncitizen. Fill in question 15.

2

No, I am not a citizen or eligible noncitizen. Skip to question16.

3

15. Alien Registration Number

A

Report your marital status as of the date you sign your FAFSA.
If your marital status changes after you sign your FAFSA, you must not change this information.
16. What is your
marital status as
of today?
18. What is your
state of legal
residence?
21. Are you male or
female?

I am single, divorced or widowed .......

1

I am married/remarried .......................

2

I am separated.....................................

3

STATE

19. Did you become a legal
resident of this state
before January 1, 2004?
Male

1

Female

2

If female, skip to question 23.

MONTH

17. Month and year you were married,
separated, divorced or widowed
Yes

1

No

2

YEAR

MM Y Y Y Y
MONTH

20. If the answer to question 19
is “No,” give month and year
you became a legal resident.

YEAR

MM Y Y Y Y

22. Most male students must register with Selective
Service to get federal aid. If you are male, age
18-25 and not registered, fill in the circle and we
will register you.

Register me

23. Do not leave this question blank. Have you been convicted for the possession or sale of illegal drugs for an
offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid (such as grants, loans or work-study)? Answer
“No” if you have never received federal student aid. If you have a drug conviction, answer “Yes,” but complete and
submit this application, and we will send you a worksheet in the mail that will help you determine if your conviction
affects your eligibility for aid. If you are unsure how to answer this question, call 1-800-433-3243 for help.

1

No

1

Yes

3

Some states and colleges offer aid based on the level of schooling your parents completed.
24. Highest school your father completed

Middle school/Jr. high

1

High school

2

College or beyond

3

Other/unknown

4

25. Highest school your mother completed

Middle school/Jr. high

1

High school

2

College or beyond

3

Other/unknown

4

26. When you begin college in the 2009-2010 school year, what will be your high school completion status?
High school diploma ..............................................................

1

Home schooled ......................................................................

3

General Educational Development (GED) certificate ..............

2

None of the above ..................................................................

4

27. Will you have your first bachelor’s degree before July 1, 2009?

2008-12-12 Draft

Yes

1

No

2

Step One CONTINUED on page 4

Page 3

For Help–www.studentaid.ed.gov/completefafsa

Step One CONTINUED from page 3
29. When you begin the 2009-2010 school year, what degree
or certificate will you be working on?

28. When you begin the 2009-2010 school year, what will be
your grade level?
Never attended college and 1st year undergraduate .........

0

1st bachelor’s degree .........................................................

1

Attended college before and 1st year undergraduate ........

1

2nd bachelor’s degree ........................................................

2

2nd year undergraduate/sophomore...................................

2
3

Associate degree (occupational or technical program) ......

3

3rd year undergraduate/junior ............................................

4

4th year undergraduate/senior ...........................................

4

Associate degree (general education or transfer program) .

5th year/other undergraduate ............................................

5

Certificate or diploma (occupational, technical or
education program of less than two years) .........................

5

1st year graduate/professional ..........................................

6

Continuing graduate/professional or beyond ....................

7

30. When you begin the 2009–2010 school year, what do you
expect your enrollment status to be? See Notes page 2.
Full-time ..............................................................................
Three-quarter-time ..............................................................

1
2

Half-time ..............................................................................

3

Less than half-time ..............................................................
Don’t know ..........................................................................

32. Are you planning to complete coursework
necessary to become an elementary or
secondary school teacher, either now or
in the future? See Notes page 2.

Step Two:

4
5

Certificate or diploma (occupational, technical or
education program of two or more years) ...........................

6

Teaching credential (nondegree program) .........................

7

Graduate or professional degree ........................................

8

Other/undecided ..................................................................

9

31. In addition to grants, are you interested in being considered
for work-study or student loans?
Work-study (student aid that you earn through work) ........

1

Student loans (which you must pay back) ..........................

2

Yes

1

Both work-study and student loans ....................................

3

No

2

Neither .................................................................................

4

Don’t know

3

Don’t know ..........................................................................

5

Answer questions 33–60 about yourself (the student). If you are single, separated, divorced or widowed, answer
only about yourself. If you are married as of today, include information about your spouse (husband or wife).

33. For 2008, have you (the student) completed your IRS income
tax return or another tax return listed in question 34?
I have already completed my return. ..........................

1

I will file, but I have not yet completed my return. .......

2

I’m not going to file. Skip to question 39. ......................

3

34. What income tax return did you file or will you file for 2008?
IRS 1040 ...................................................................
IRS 1040A or 1040EZ ...............................................
A foreign tax return. See Notes page 2. ..................
A tax return with Puerto Rico, another U.S. territory
or Freely Associated State. See Notes page 2. ......

35. If you have filed or will file a 1040, were you eligible to file a 1040A or 1040EZ?
See Notes page 2.

Yes

1

No

2

Don’t know

1
2
3

4

3

For questions 36–47, if the answer is zero or the question does not apply to you, enter 0. Report whole dollar amounts with no cents.
36. What was your (and spouse’s) adjusted gross income for 2008? Adjusted gross income is on
IRS Form 1040—line 37; 1040A—line 21; or 1040EZ—line 4.

$

37. Enter your (and spouse’s) income tax for 2008. Income tax amount is on IRS Form 1040—line 56;
1040A—line 35; or 1040EZ—line 11.

$

38. Enter your (and spouse’s) exemptions for 2008. Exemptions are on IRS Form 1040—line 6d or
Form 1040A—line 6d. For Form 1040EZ, see Notes page 2.
Questions 39 and 40 ask about earnings (wages, salaries, tips, etc.) in 2008. Answer the questions whether or not a tax return was filed. This information
may be on the W-2 forms, or on IRS Form 1040—lines 7 + 12 + 18 + Box 14 of IRS Schedule K-1 (Form 1065); or 1040A—line 7; or 1040EZ—line 1.

39. How much did you earn from working in 2008?

$

40. How much did your spouse earn from working in 2008?

$

41. As of today, what is your (and spouse’s) total current balance of cash, savings and checking
accounts? Do not include student financial aid.

$

42. As of today, what is the net worth of your (and spouse’s) investments, including real estate (not
your home)? Net worth means current value minus debt. See Notes page 2.

$

43. As of today, what is the net worth of your (and spouse’s) current businesses and/or investment
farms? For a family farm or family business, see Notes page 2.

$

44. Will you receive veterans
education benefits between
July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010?

2008-12-12 Draft

Yes

1

No

2

If no, skip to question 46.

45. What type of veterans education benefits will
you receive? See Notes page 2 and enter the
correct number in the box.

Step Two CONTINUED on page 5

Page 4

For Help — 1-800-433-3243

Step Two CONTINUED from page 4
46. Student’s 2008 Additional Financial Information (Enter the combined amounts for you and your spouse.)
a. Education credits (Hope and Lifetime Learning tax credits) from IRS Form 1040—line 50 or 1040A—line 31.

$

b. Child support paid because of divorce or separation or as a result of a legal requirement. Don’t include
support for children in your household, as reported in question 96.

$

c. Taxable earnings from need-based employment programs, such as Federal Work-Study and need-based
employment portions of fellowships and assistantships.

$

d. Student grant and scholarship aid reported to the IRS in your adjusted gross income. Includes AmeriCorps
benefits (awards, living allowances and interest accrual payments), as well as grant and scholarship portions
of fellowships and assistantships.

$

e. Combat pay or special combat pay. Only enter the amount that was taxable and included in your adjusted
gross income. Do not enter untaxed combat pay reported on the W-2 (Box 12, Code Q).

$

47. Student’s 2008 Untaxed Income (Enter the combined amounts for you and your spouse.)
a. Payments to tax-deferred pension and savings plans (paid directly or withheld from earnings), including, but
not limited to, amounts reported on the W-2 forms in Boxes 12a through 12d, codes D, E, F, G, H and S.

$

b. IRA deductions and payments to self-employed SEP, SIMPLE, Keogh and other qualified plans from
IRS Form 1040—line 28 + line 32 or 1040A—line 17.

$

c. Child support received for all children. Don’t include foster care or adoption payments.

$

d. Tax exempt interest income from IRS Form 1040—line 8b or 1040A—line 8b.

$

e. Untaxed portions of IRA distributions from IRS Form 1040—lines (15a minus 15b) or 1040A—lines (11a minus
11b). Exclude rollovers. If negative, enter a zero here.

$

f. Untaxed portions of pensions from IRS Form 1040—lines (16a minus 16b) or 1040A—lines (12a minus 12b).
Exclude rollovers. If negative, enter a zero here.

$

g. Housing, food and other living allowances paid to members of the military, clergy and others (including cash
payments and cash value of benefits).

$

h. Veterans noneducation benefits such as Disability, Death Pension, or Dependency & Indemnity Compensation
(DIC) and/or VA Educational Work-Study allowances.

$

i. Other untaxed income not reported, such as workers’ compensation, disability, etc. Don’t include student aid,
earned income credit, additional child tax credit, welfare payments, untaxed Social Security benefits, Supplemental
Security Income, Workforce Investment Act educational benefits, combat pay, benefits from flexible spending
arrangements (e.g., cafeteria plans), foreign income exclusion or credit for federal tax on special fuels.

$

j. Money received, or paid on your behalf (e.g., bills), not reported elsewhere on this form.

$

Step Three:

Answer all questions in this step to determine if you will need to provide parental information.
Yes
48. Were you born before January 1, 1986? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Yes
49. As of today, are you married? (Also answer “Yes” if you are separated but not divorced.) . . . . . . . . . . .
50. At the beginning of the 2009–2010 school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate
Yes
program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, graduate certificate, etc.)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
51. Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training?
Yes
See Notes page 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Yes
52. Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces? See Notes page 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
53. Do you have children who will receive more than half of their support from you between July 1, 2009
Yes
and June 30, 2010? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
54. Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive
Yes
more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2010? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
55. At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or
Yes
were you a dependent or ward of the court? See Notes page 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
56. Are you or were you an emancipated minor as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?
Yes
See Notes page 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
57. Are you or were you in legal guardianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?
Yes
See Notes page 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
58. At any time on or after July 1, 2008, did your high school or school district homeless liaison determine
Yes
that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless? See Notes page 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
59. At any time on or after July 1, 2008, did the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing
Yes
program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determine that you were
an unaccompanied youth who was homeless? See Notes page 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
60. At any time on or after July 1, 2008, did the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or
transitional living program determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or
Yes
were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless? See Notes page 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2008-12-12 Draft

Page 5

1

No
No

1

No

2

1

No

2

1

No

2

1

No

2

1

No

2

1

No

2

1

No

2

1

No

2

1

No

2

1

No

2

1

No

2

1

2
2

For Help–www.studentaid.ed.gov/completefafsa

If you (the student) answered “No” to every question in Step Three, go to Step Four.
If you answered “Yes” to any question in Step Three, skip Step Four and go to Step Five on page 8.
(Health professions students: Your college may require you to complete Step Four even if you answered “Yes” to any Step Three question.)

Step Four: Complete this step if you (the student) answered “No” to all questions in Step Three.
Answer all the questions in Step Four about your parents even if you do not live with them. Grandparents, foster parents, legal guardians, aunts and
uncles are not considered parents on this form unless they have legally adopted you. If your parents are living and married to each other, answer the
questions about them. If your parent is single, widowed, divorced, separated or remarried, see the Notes on page 9 for additional instructions.

61. What is your parents’ marital status as of today?
Married or remarried .............

1

Divorced or separated .........

3

Single ......................................

2

Widowed ..............................

4

62. Month and year they were
married, separated,
divorced or widowed

MONTH

YEAR

M M

Y Y Y Y

What are the Social Security Numbers, names and dates of birth of the parents reporting information on this form? If your parent
does not have a Social Security Number, you must enter 000-00-0000. Enter two digits for each day and month (e.g., for May 31, enter 05 31).

63. FATHER’S/STEPFATHER’S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

–

64. FATHER’S/STEPFATHER’S LAST NAME, AND

,

–

67. MOTHER’S/STEPMOTHER’S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER 68. MOTHER’S/STEPMOTHER’S LAST NAME, AND

–

65. FIRST INITIAL 66. FATHER’S/STEPFATHER’S DATE OF BIRTH

–

MM D D 1 9 Y Y

69. FIRST INITIAL 70. MOTHER’S/STEPMOTHER’S DATE OF BIRTH

,

MM D D 1 9 Y Y

71. Your parents’ e-mail address. If you provide your parents’ e-mail address, we will let them know your FAFSA has been processed. This
e-mail address will also be shared with your state and the colleges listed on your FAFSA to allow them to communicate with your parents.

@
72. What is your
parents’ state
of legal
residence?

STATE

73. Did your parents
become legal residents
of this state before
January 1, 2004?

Yes

1

No

2

74. If the answer to question 73 is
“No,” give month and year legal
residency began for the parent who
has lived in the state the longest.

MONTH

YEAR

MM Y Y Y Y

75. How many people are in your parents’ household?
Include:
• yourself, even if you don’t live with your parents,
• your parents,
• your parents’ other children if (a) your parents will provide more than half of their support between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010, or
(b) the children could answer “No” to every question in Step Three on page 5 of this form, and
• other people if they now live with your parents, your parents provide more than half of their support and your parents will continue to
provide more than half of their support between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010.

76. How many people in your parents’ household will be college students between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010?
Always count yourself as a college student. Do not include your parents. You may include others only if they will attend, at least halftime in 2009-2010, a program that leads to a college degree or certificate.

In 2007 or 2008, did you, your parents or anyone in your parents’ household (from question 75) receive benefits from any of the
federal benefits programs listed? Mark all the programs that apply. Answering these questions will not reduce your eligibility for student aid or for
these other benefits. TANF may have a different name in your parents’ state. Call 1-800-4-FED-AID to find out the name of the state’s program.

77. Supplemental Security Income

78. Food Stamps

79. Free or Reduced Price Lunch

82. For 2008, have your parents completed their IRS income
tax return or another tax return listed in question 83?
My parents have already completed their return. .....
My parents will file, but they have not yet completed
their return. ................................................................
My parents are not going to file. Skip to question 89.

84. If your parents have filed or will file a
1040, were they eligible to file a 1040A
or 1040EZ? See Notes page 2.

2008-12-12 Draft

81. WIC

83. What income tax return did your parents file or will they
file for 2008?
1

IRS 1040 ..................................................................
IRS 1040A or 1040EZ ..............................................

2

A foreign tax return. See Notes page 2. ......................

3

A tax return with Puerto Rico, another U.S. territory
or Freely Associated State. See Notes page 2. ..........

4

3

Yes

1

No

2

Don’t know

80. TANF

85. As of today, is either of your parents a
dislocated worker? See Notes page 9.

3

1
2

Yes

1

No

2

Don’t know

3

Step Four CONTINUED on page 7

Page 6

For Help—1-800-433-3243

Step Four CONTINUED from page 6
For questions 86–95, if the answer is zero or the question does not apply, enter 0. Report whole dollar amounts with no cents.
86. What was your parents’ adjusted gross income for 2008? Adjusted gross income is on IRS Form
1040—line 37; 1040A—line 21; or 1040EZ—line 4.

$

87. Enter your parents’ income tax for 2008. Income tax amount is on IRS Form 1040—line 56; 1040A—
line 35; or 1040EZ—line 11.

$

88. Enter your parents’ exemptions for 2008. Exemptions are on IRS Form 1040—line 6d or on Form
1040A—line 6d. For Form 1040EZ, see Notes page 2.
Questions 89 and 90 ask about earnings (wages, salaries, tips, etc.) in 2008. Answer the questions whether or not a tax return was filed. This information
may be on the W-2 forms, on IRS Form 1040—lines 7 + 12 + 18 + Box 14 of IRS Schedule K-1 (Form 1065); on 1040A—line 7; or on 1040EZ—line 1.

89. How much did your father/stepfather earn from working in 2008?

$

90. How much did your mother/stepmother earn from working in 2008?

$

91. As of today, what is your parents’ total current balance of cash, savings and checking accounts?

$

92. As of today, what is the net worth of your parents’ investments, including real estate
(not your parents’ home)? Net worth means current value minus debt. See Notes page 2.

$

93. As of today, what is the net worth of your parents’ current businesses and/or investment farms?
For a family farm or family business, see Notes page 2.

$

94. Parents’ 2008 Additional Financial Information (Enter the amounts for your parent[s].)
a. Education credits (Hope and Lifetime Learning tax credits) from IRS Form 1040—line 50 or 1040A—line 31.

$

b. Child support paid because of divorce or separation or as a result of a legal requirement. Don’t include
support for children in your parents’ household, as reported in question 75.

$

c. Your parents’ taxable earnings from need-based employment programs, such as Federal Work-Study and
need-based employment portions of fellowships and assistantships.

$

d. Student grant and scholarship aid reported to the IRS in your parents’ adjusted gross income. Includes AmeriCorps benefits (awards, living allowances and interest accrual payments), as well as grant and scholarship
portions of fellowships and assistantships.

$

e. Combat pay or special combat pay. Only enter the amount that was taxable and included in your parents’
adjusted gross income. Do not enter untaxed combat pay reported on the W-2 (Box 12, Code Q).

$

95. Parents’ 2008 Untaxed Income (Enter the amounts for your parent[s].)
a. Payments to tax-deferred pension and savings plans (paid directly or withheld from earnings), including, but
not limited to, amounts reported on the W-2 forms in Boxes 12a through 12d, codes D, E, F, G, H, and S.

$

b. IRA deductions and payments to self-employed SEP, SIMPLE, Keogh and other qualified plans from
IRS Form 1040—line 28 + line 32 or 1040A—line 17.

$

c. Child support received for all children. Don’t include foster care or adoption payments.

$

d. Tax exempt interest income from IRS Form 1040—line 8b or 1040A—line 8b.

$

e. Untaxed portions of IRA distributions from IRS Form 1040—lines (15a minus 15b) or 1040A—lines (11a minus
11b). Exclude rollovers. If negative, enter a zero here.

$

f. Untaxed portions of pensions from IRS Form 1040—lines (16a minus 16b) or 1040A—lines (12a minus 12b).
Exclude rollovers. If negative, enter a zero here.

$

g. Housing, food and other living allowances paid to members of the military, clergy and others (including cash
payments and cash value of benefits).

$

h. Veterans noneducation benefits such as Disability, Death Pension, or Dependency & Indemnity Compensation
(DIC) and/or VA Educational Work-Study allowances.

$

i. Other untaxed income not reported, such as workers’ compensation, disability, etc. Don’t include student aid,
earned income credit, additional child tax credit, welfare payments, untaxed Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income, Workforce Investment Act educational benefits, combat pay, benefits from flexible
spending arrangements (e.g., cafeteria plans), foreign income exclusion or credit for federal tax on special fuels.

2008-12-12 Draft

Page 7

$

For Help–www.studentaid.ed.gov/completefafsa

Step Five:

Complete this step only if you (the student) answered “Yes” to any question in Step Three.

96. How many people are in your household?
Include:
• yourself (and your spouse),
• your children, if you will provide more than half of their support between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010, and
• other people, if they now live with you, you provide more than half of their support and you will continue to provide more than half
of their support between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010.

97. How many people in your (and your spouse’s) household will be college students between July 1, 2009 and
June 30, 2010? Always count yourself as a college student. Include others only if they will attend, at least half-time in 2009-2010,
a program that leads to a college degree or certificate.

In 2007 or 2008, did you (or your spouse) or anyone in your household (from question 96) receive benefits from any of the federal
benefits programs listed? Mark all the programs that apply. Answering these questions will not reduce your eligibility for student aid or for these other
benefits. TANF may have a different name in your state. Call 1-800-4-FED-AID to find out the name of your state's program.

98. Supplemental Security Income

99. Food Stamps

100. Free or Reduced Price Lunch

103. As of today, are you (or your spouse) a dislocated worker? See Notes page 9.

Step Six:

101. TANF

Yes

1

No

102. WIC
2

Don’t know

3

Indicate which colleges you want to receive your FAFSA information.

Enter the six-digit federal school code and your housing plans. You can find the school codes at www.fafsa.ed.gov or you can
call 1-800-4-FED-AID. If you cannot get the code, write in the complete name, address, city and state of the college. For state aid,
you may wish to list your preferred college first. To have more colleges receive your FAFSA information, read What is the FAFSA?
on page 10.
1ST FEDERAL SCHOOL CODE

OR

104.a
2ND FEDERAL SCHOOL CODE

OR

104.c
3RD FEDERAL SCHOOL CODE

OR

104.e
4TH FEDERAL SCHOOL CODE

104.g

Step Seven:

OR

NAME OF
COLLEGE

104.b

ADDRESS
AND CITY
STATE

NAME OF
COLLEGE

104.d

ADDRESS
AND CITY

on campus

1

with parent

2

off campus

3

on campus

1

with parent

2

off campus

3

on campus

1

with parent

2

off campus

3

on campus

1

with parent

2

off campus

3

STATE

NAME OF
COLLEGE

104.f

ADDRESS
AND CITY
STATE

NAME OF
COLLEGE

104.h

ADDRESS
AND CITY

Read, sign and date.

If you are the student, by signing this application you certify that you (1) will use
federal and/or state student financial aid only to pay the cost of attending an
institution of higher education, (2) are not in default on a federal student loan or have
made satisfactory arrangements to repay it, (3) do not owe money back on a federal
student grant or have made satisfactory arrangements to repay it, (4) will notify your
college if you default on a federal student loan and (5) will not receive a Federal Pell
Grant from more than one college for the same period of time.
If you are the parent or the student, by signing this application you agree, if asked,
to provide information that will verify the accuracy of your completed form. This
information may include U.S. or state income tax forms that you filed or are required
to file. Also, you certify that you understand that the Secretary of Education has
the authority to verify information reported on this application with the
Internal Revenue Service and other federal agencies. If you sign any document
related to the federal student aid programs electronically using a Personal
Identification Number (PIN), you certify that you are the person identified by the PIN
and have not disclosed that PIN to anyone else. If you purposely give false or
misleading information, you may be fined up to $20,000, sent to prison, or both.

If you or your family paid a fee for someone
to fill out this form or to advise you on how to
fill it out, that person must complete this part.
Preparer’s name, firm and address.

105. Date this form was completed.
MONTH

2009

or

2010

106. Student (Sign below)
1

Parent (A parent from Step Four sign below)
2

107. Preparer’s Social Security Number (or 108)

–

DAY

MM D D

D/O

108. Employer ID number (or 107)

Federal School Code

COLLEGE USE ONLY:

–

1

FAA Signature
1

–
109. Preparer’s signature and date
1

2008-12-12 Draft

HOUSING PLANS

STATE

Page 8

DATA ENTRY
USE ONLY:

P

*

L

E

For Help—1-800-433-3243

Notes for question 51 (page 5)

Notes for questions 58–60 (page 5) continued

Answer “Yes” if you are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or are a
National Guard or Reserves enlistee who is on active duty for other than
state or training purposes.

Answer “No” if you are not homeless, at risk of being homeless or
if you do not have a determination. You should contact your
financial aid office for assistance if you do not have a
determination but believe you are an unaccompanied youth who
is homeless or are an unaccompanied youth providing for your
own living expenses who is at risk of being homeless.

Answer “No” if you are a National Guard or Reserves enlistee who is on
active duty for state or training purposes.

Notes for question 52 (page 5)
Answer “Yes” (you are a veteran) if you (1) have engaged in active duty in
the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard) or
are a National Guard or Reserve enlistee who was called to active duty for
other than state or training purposes, or were a cadet or midshipman at one
of the service academies, and (2) were released under a condition other
than dishonorable. Also answer “Yes” if you are not a veteran now but will
be one by June 30, 2010.
Answer “No” (you are not a veteran) if you (1) have never engaged in active
duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, (2) are currently a ROTC student or a cadet
or midshipman at a service academy, (3) are a National Guard or Reserve
enlistee activated only for state or training purposes, or (4) were engaged in
active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces but released under dishonorable
conditions.
Also answer “No” if you are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and
will continue to serve through June 30, 2010.

Notes for question 55 (page 5)
Answer “Yes” if you had no living parent (biological or adoptive) at any time
since you turned age 13, even if you are now adopted.

Note that the financial aid administrator at your college may
require you to provide a copy of the determination if you
answered “Yes” to one of these questions.

Notes for Step Four, questions 61–95 (pages 6 and 7)
Additional instructions about who is considered a parent on this
form:
• If your parent is widowed or single, answer the questions about
that parent.
• If your widowed parent is remarried as of today, answer the
questions about that parent and your stepparent.
• If your parents are divorced or separated, answer the questions
about the parent you lived with more during the past 12
months. (If you did not live with one parent more than the other,
give answers about the parent who provided more financial
support during the past 12 months, or during the most recent
year that you actually received support from a parent.) If this
parent is remarried as of today, answer the questions about
that parent and your stepparent.

Answer “Yes” if you were in foster care at any time since you turned age
13, even if you are no longer in foster care as of today.

Notes for questions 85 (page 6)

Answer “Yes” if you were a dependent or ward of the court at any time
since you turned age 13, even if you are no longer a dependent or ward of
the court as of today.

In general, a person may be considered a dislocated worker if he
or she:

Note that the financial aid administrator at your school may require you to
provide proof that you were in foster care or a dependent or ward of the
court.

Notes for questions 56 and 57 (page 5)
Answer “Yes” if you can provide a copy of a court’s decision that as of
today you are an emancipated minor or are in legal guardianship. Also
answer “Yes” if you can provide a copy of a court’s decision that you were
an emancipated minor or were in legal guardianship immediately before you
reached the age of being an adult in your state. The court must be located
in your state of legal residence at the time the court’s decision was issued.

and 103 (page 8)

• is receiving unemployment benefits due to being laid off or
losing a job and is unlikely to return to a previous occupation;
• has been laid off or received a lay-off notice from a job;
• was self-employed but is now unemployed due to economic
conditions or natural disaster; or
• is a displaced homemaker. A displaced homemaker is generally
a person who previously provided unpaid services to the family
(e.g., a stay-at-home mom or dad), is no longer supported by
the husband or wife, is unemployed or underemployed, and is
having trouble finding or upgrading employment.

Answer “No” if you are still a minor and the court decision is no longer in
effect or the court decision was not in effect at the time you become an
adult.

If a person quits work, generally he or she is not considered a
dislocated worker even if, for example, the person is receiving
unemployment benefits.

Note that the financial aid administrator at your college may require you to
provide proof that you were an emancipated minor or in legal guardianship.

Answer “Yes” to question 85 if your parent is a dislocated
worker. Answer “Yes” to question 103 if you or your spouse is a
dislocated worker.

Notes for questions 58–60 (page 5)
Answer “Yes” if you received a determination at any time on or after
July 1, 2008, that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless
or, for question 60, at risk of being homeless.
• “Homeless” means lacking fixed, regular and adequate housing, which
includes living in shelters, motels or cars, or temporarily living with other
people because you had nowhere else to go.
• “Unaccompanied” means you are not living in the physical custody of
your parent or guardian.
• “Youth” means you are 21 years of age or younger or you are still enrolled
in high school as of the day you sign this application.
Notes for questions 58-60 continued in next column.

2008-12-12 Draft

Answer “No” to question 85 if your parent is not a dislocated
worker. Answer “No” to question 103 if neither you nor your
spouse is a dislocated worker.
Answer “Don’t know” to question 85 if you are not sure whether
your parent is a dislocated worker. Answer “Don’t know” to
question 103 if you are not sure whether you or your spouse is a
dislocated worker. You can contact your financial aid office for
assistance in answering these questions.
Note that the financial aid administrator at your school may
require you to provide proof that your parent is a dislocated
worker, if you answered “Yes” to question 85, or that you or your
spouse is a dislocated worker, if you answered “Yes” to question
103.

Page 9

Information on the Privacy Act and
use of your Social Security Number

What is the FAFSA?
Why fill out a FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in the
financial aid process. You use the FAFSA to apply for federal student aid, such as
grants, loans and work-study. In addition, most states and colleges use
information from the FAFSA to award nonfederal aid.

Why all the questions?
The questions on the FAFSA are required to calculate your Expected Family
Contribution (EFC). The EFC measures your family’s financial strength and
determines your eligibility for federal student aid. Your state and the colleges you
list may also use some of your responses. They will determine if you may be
eligible for school or state aid, in addition to federal aid.

How do I find out what my Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is?
Your EFC will be listed on your Student Aid Report (SAR). Your SAR summarizes
the information you submitted on your FAFSA. It is important to review your SAR
to make sure all of your information is correct and complete. Make corrections or
provide additional information, as necessary.

How much aid do I get?
Using the information on your FAFSA and your EFC, the financial aid office at your
college will determine the amount of aid you will receive. The colleges use your
EFC to prepare a financial aid package to help you meet your financial need.
Financial need is the difference between your EFC and your college’s cost of
attendance (which can include living expenses), as determined by the college. If
you or your family have unusual circumstances that should be taken into account,
contact your college’s financial aid office. Some examples of unusual
circumstances are: unusual medical or dental expenses or a large change in
income from last year to this year.

When do I get the aid?
Any financial aid you are eligible to receive will be paid to you through your
college. Typically, your college will first use the aid to pay tuition, fees and room
and board (if provided by the college). Any remaining aid is paid to you for your
other educational expenses. If you are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, you may
receive it from only one college for the same period of enrollment.

How can I have more colleges receive my FAFSA information?
If you are completing a paper FAFSA, you can only list four colleges in the school
code step. You may add more colleges by doing one of the following:
1. Use the Federal Student Aid PIN you will receive after your FAFSA has been
processed and go to FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Select the “Add
or Delete a School Code” link.
2. Use the Student Aid Report (SAR), which you will receive after your FAFSA is
processed. Your Data Release Number (DRN) verifies your identity and will be
listed on the first page of your SAR. You can call 1-800-4-FED-AID and provide
your DRN to a customer service representative, who will add more school
codes for you.
3. Provide your DRN to the financial aid administrator at the college you want
added, and he or she can add their school code to your FAFSA.

We use the information that you provide on this form to determine
if you are eligible to receive federal student financial aid and the
amount that you are eligible to receive. Sections 483 and 484 of
the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, give us the
authority to ask you and your parents these questions, and to
collect the Social Security Numbers of you and your parents. We
use your Social Security Number to verify your identity and
retrieve your records, and we may request your Social Security
Number again for those purposes.
State and institutional student financial aid programs may also
use the information that you provide on this form to determine if
you are eligible to receive state and institutional aid and the need
that you have for such aid. Therefore, we will disclose the
information that you provide on this form to each institution you
list in questions 104a - 104h, state agencies in your state of legal
residence and the state agencies of the states in which the
colleges that you list in questions 104a - 104h are located.
If you are applying solely for federal aid, you must answer all of
the following questions that apply to you: 1-9, 14-16, 18, 21-23,
26-28, 33-37, 39-61, 63-70, 72, 75-87, 89-103, 105-106. If you do
not answer these questions, you will not receive federal aid.
Without your consent, we may disclose information that you
provide to entities under a published “routine use.” Under such a
routine use, we may disclose information to third parties that we
have authorized to assist us in administering the above programs;
to other federal agencies under computer matching programs,
such as those with the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security
Administration, Selective Service System, Department of
Homeland Security, Department of Justice and Veterans Affairs;
to your parents or spouse; and to members of Congress if you
ask them to help you with student aid questions.
If the federal government, the U.S. Department of Education, or
an employee of the U.S. Department of Education is involved in
litigation, we may send information to the Department of Justice,
or a court or adjudicative body, if the disclosure is related to
financial aid and certain conditions are met. In addition, we may
send your information to a foreign, federal, state, or local
enforcement agency if the information that you submitted
indicates a violation or potential violation of law, for which that
agency has jurisdiction for investigation or prosecution. Finally,
we may send information regarding a claim that is determined to
be valid and overdue to a consumer reporting agency. This
information includes identifiers from the record; the amount,
status and history of the claim; and the program under which the
claim arose.

State Certification

Note: Your FAFSA record can only list up to ten school codes. If there are ten
school codes on your record, any new school codes that you add will replace one
or more of the school codes listed.

By submitting this application, you are giving your state financial
aid agency permission to verify any statement on this form and to
obtain income tax information for all persons required to report
income on this form.

Where can I get more information on student aid?

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

The best place for information about student financial aid is the financial aid office
at the college you plan to attend. The financial aid administrator can tell you about
student aid available from your state, the college itself and other sources.
• You can also visit our web sites www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov or
www.studentaid.ed.gov.
• For information by phone you can call our Federal Student Aid Information
Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). TTY users (for the hearing
impaired) may call 1-800-730-8913.
• You can also check with your high school counselor, your state aid agency or
your local library's reference section.
Information about other nonfederal assistance may be available from foundations,
religious organizations, community organizations and civic groups, as well as
organizations related to your field of interest, such as the American Medical or
American Bar Association. Check with your parents’ employers or unions to see if
they award scholarships or have tuition payment plans.

2008-12-12 Draft

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 says that no one is
required to respond to a collection of information unless it
displays a valid OMB control number, which for this form is
1845-0001. The time required to complete this form is estimated
to be one hour, including time to review instructions, search data
resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the
information collection. If you have comments about this estimate
or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: U.S.
Department of Education, Washington, DC 20202-4700.
We may request additional information from you to process your
application more efficiently. We will collect this additional
information only as needed and on a voluntary basis.

Page 10