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What is the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is an annual application that determines your
eligibility for grants, loans and work study.
It can be accessed at www.fafsa.gov
When should I file?
The FAFSA is available every year on January 1st
However you will want to file by MU's Priority Date of March 1st
Financial Aid corresponds with the academic year, running fall through spring.
So, to meet priority deadline for the 2014-2015 Academic Year, you should file by March 1st, 2014
However even if this deadline has passed, you should still apply because you can still
qualify for financial aid.
What if I haven't filed my taxes yet?
If you haven't filed your taxes, you can select "Will File" and use estimates from previous
years and return later to make a correction once your taxes have been completed.
Do I have to include my parents information?
While completing the FAFSA, you will be asked a series of questions to determine your dependency
status and whether or not you must include parental information.
For more information on how this is determined, visit studentaid.gov/dependency or check out this video from the Department of Ed
What if my parents are divorced?
A good way to think about this question is "Who do you live with?"
If you live with both of your legal parents, you include both of them on the FAFSA, regardless of their marital status.
However, if your parents are separated or divorced and do not live together, then you
should include whichever parent you primarily live with.
Additionally, if this parent has remarried should include your stepparent and any other dependents in this household.
For more information, visit financialaid.missouri.edu/parents
How do I use the Data Retrieval Tool?
The Data Retrieval Tool is the best way to prevent errors on your FAFSA and is available about three weeks after your file your taxes.
To use it, select "Already completed" and your filing status
Then, answer the questions presented to determine your eligibility and enter your PIN and "Link to IRS."
Once redirected, enter your information as it appears on your tax return.
Then check "Transfer my information..." and then "Transfer Now"
And that's it!
But don't forget to sign and submit once you've completed these changes.
I forgot my PIN! What do I do?
To retrieve your PIN, just visit pin.ed.gov and select "Request a Duplicate PIN."
If you have any other questions, just contact our office or visit our website at financialaid.missouri.edu
Also, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for updates, reminders, and scholarship opportunities!