Teresa Stover, Loan Processing Coordinator Messiah College

Parents complete the FAFSA and become confused as to whose information the application is asking for. They list their information in the parent section and again in the student section. When the FAFSA asks for information for “you” or “your” they want the student’s information

 Is it Joey or Joseph? The student or parent uses a nickname in place of the “given” name or name on the Social Security Card.  Is your last name really Malina90210? The student or parent is multi-tasking and mispells their name.

 Incorrect social security number used. Mom or dad completes the FAFSA and uses the SS# of a sibling and not the student.  Incorrect date of birth.

 Neglecting to round to the dollar so $2, becomes $252,576.  Listing the same amount for AGI as wages and as taxes paid.  Using the amount of taxes withheld from the W-2

 Using information from both biological parents when those parents are divorced  Not listing the step-parent’s information

 Checking recently submitted  Entering the address differently than it appears on the tax return  Linking to the site but leaving without transferring the information

 If the item doesn’t apply use the number 0. Students and parents frequently fail to answer questions.

 What is providing more than half the support of a child?  Who is a veteran?  What is legal guardianship?

 Claiming the amount in a retirement account.  Claiming the value of a small family owned business  Claiming the cash value of life insurance

 Not including the student in the Household size  Filling out the FAFSA but not signing and submitting it.  Making changes to the FAFSA but not submitting the changes.

 Questions or comments?  *The names used today have been changed to protect the innocent.