As part of the FAFSA process, the U.S. Department of Education randomly selects approximately 30% of applications for the verification process.  In addition, Student Financial Services has the authority to select applications for verification, too.  If selected, students are notified in their Student Aid Report and contacted by Student Financial Services.

Documentation needed to complete the verification process include a verification worksheet and proof of income for the most recent tax year (e.g., a signed, complete 2007 federal income tax return for the 2008 – 2009 FAFSA).  There may be further documentation required upon initial review, and students are notified of such by Student Financial Services.  Please note that corrections to a FAFSA as a result of verification are made by Student Financial Services, and therefore it is not necessary for students to make these same corrections.

There is no specific time limit, but since financial aid is awarded first come, first served, it is in the student’s best interests to complete the process as quickly as possible. Once all required information is received, students will receive a financial aid award.

If the verification process results in a change to financial aid which has already been disbursed to a student, then the student is notified by Student Financial Services and is responsible for paying back the overpayment.  If not completed within a reasonable timeframe, the overpayment may be reported to the U.S. Department of Education.