Verification Process

Notification is sent to the student email account which will state that there are outstanding requirements. The student’s PATHWAY account will list the document requirements and the status.

After all required documents are submitted, the Financial Aid Office will compare them to your application. If errors are found, corrections will be made.

The verification process requires that students submit documentation such as IRS transcripts and worksheets to be compared to information from the student’s application. Other documentation, including but not limited to documentation of federal benefits received or of child support paid may also be requested as if it applies to the information on the application.

You should allow 10-15 business days for the verification review process and an additional 5 business days if corrections have to be made and transmitted.

• Additional processing time may be necessary during peak periods.
• Once the verification and/or correction process is completed the student will be awarded within 5 business days.
• Verification must be completed in advance of disbursing any money from any financial aid program so it is vital to send, complete, and correct errors as quickly as possible.

Students are expected to apply for aid and complete the verification process before the term has ended. Otherwise, the student is in jeopardy of not receiving any Federal aid for their period of enrollment.

• All required documents should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office no later than 10 business days from the initial date of request.
• Any delay in submitting all required documents will cause a delay in awarding of financial aid resulting in the student being responsible for paying all or part of their bill until awarding takes place.

 

 

All applicants selected for verification must confirm some or all of the following information:
•  Family size (as defined on the FAFSA) of student, parent(s) and siblings or student and spouse (if married)
•  Number of family members enrolled at least half time and pursuing a degree/ certificate in college
• Income earned from work – provide W-2 form(s)
•  Non-tax filers and individuals who file a tax extension must provide a statement of nonfiling from the IRS.

(Verification of Non-filing Letter - provides proof that the IRS has no   record  of a filed Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ for the year you requested. It  doesn't indicate whether you were required to file a return for that year. This  letter is available after June 15 for the current tax year or anytime for  the prior three tax years using Get Transcript Online or Form 4506-T. You  must use Form 4506-T if you need a letter for tax years older than the prior  three years.)

Tax filers selected for verification may be required to confirm the following information via the FAFSA IRS Data Retrieval Process or providing an IRS generated tax return transcript:
• Adjusted Gross Income
• U.S. Income Tax Paid
• Untaxed IRA Distributions
• Untaxed Pension Distributions
• IRA Deductions/Payments
• Tax Exempt Interest
• Education Credits

In addition, applicants may be required to provide:
•  Documentation of a high school diploma, recognized equivalent or home school credentials
•  A copy of valid (e.g., unexpired) government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s  license, passport, or military ID
•  A signed statement of education purpose for the appropriate award year
•  Documentation of other untaxed income not reported on your federal tax form
•  Clarification of parents’ marital status