Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form can be a straightforward and easy process. Below are some tips to help you along the way.

Applying for Financial Aid With the FAFSA® Form Video


Creating a StudentAid.gov Account

Every contributor—anyone (you, your spouse, a biological or adoptive parent, or your parent's spouse) who's required to provide information on the FAFSA form—needs a StudentAid.gov account before accessing and completing their section of the online form. We strongly recommend you and your contributor(s) create StudentAid.gov accounts before starting your FAFSA form. When you create your account, be careful to enter your name and Social Security number (SSN) exactly as they appear on your Social Security card. Contributors can access their StudentAid.gov account by using their FSA ID (account username and password).

Note: Contributors without an SSN can create a StudentAid.gov account to fill out their portion of your FAFSA form online.

To start the online FAFSA form, select "Start New Form." You'll be taken to the "Log In" page to enter your account username and password. After logging in, you'll be given the option to select your applicable role to fill out the FAFSA form: "Student" or "Parent." You (the student) should select "Student." If a parent wants to start their dependent child's FAFSA form, they should select the "Parent" option.

Gathering Needed Documents

You might need the following information or documents as you fill out the FAFSA form:

  • Your parents' SSNs if they have SSNs and you're a dependent student.
  • Tax Returns
  • Records of child support received
  • Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts
  • Net worth of investments, businesses, and farms

Keep these records! You may need them again. Do not mail these supporting records to us unless otherwise instructed to do so.

Getting Help

If you need help filling out the FAFSA form, use these free tools:

  • In the online FAFSA form, select the questions mark icon next to a FAFSA question to view a "tool tip" that provides information about how to answer that question.
  • Visit the "FAFSA® Help" to find answers to common questions.
  • In the online form, chat with Aidan®, our virtual assistant.
  • Chat with, email, or find a phone number for the Federal Student Aid Information Center.
  • Contact the financial aid office at the college or career/trade school you plan to attend.