2012 FAFSA Goes Live

Happy New Year! In case you missed the memo, the online FAFSA application went “live” just about the same time the Times Square crystal ball hit bottom at midnight on January 1st. And it's housed in a spiffy new website featuring a few additional bells and whistles that should make the 2012-13 FAFSA experience the best ever.

As I’ve noted before, National Fruitcake Toss Day probably receives more attention than the annual start to the federal financial aid season, which starts today.

Nevertheless, it’s time to sharpen the pencils, put fresh batteries in the calculator, dig out tax returns, and organize bank records to tackle the single most important form necessary to make yourself eligible for millions in federal aid.

So, when is the best time to file the FAFSA? Right NOW!

With thousands of families competing for money this year, you need to submit your application as soon as possible. The earlier the FAFSA is received, the earlier it will get processed, and the better positioned you will be for grants and scholarships. And much of this money is first come, first served. Get the picture?

Start by organizing your documents. You need your Social Security number, driver’s license, income tax return, bank statements, and investment records.

Next, if you haven’t done so already, apply for a PIN number. Both a parent and the student will need PIN’s to sign the FAFSA electronically. The application is easy and there’s no longer any waiting—a PIN can be generated on the spot.

Although a paper application is still an option (and can help as a tool for drafting responses off-line), it is highly recommended that you complete the web-based form and submit electronically to save time. If you have no internet access at home, libraries have online connections, and schools usually will make accommodations to support online FAFSA filing. Ask your guidance counselor or college/career center specialist for help if necessary.

And always keep in mind that this is the FREE Application for Federal Student Assistance. Don’t pay for PIN’s or application forms. If in doubt, ask. FAFSA customer service representatives stand ready to respond online or by phone.

It’s hard to overstate the importance of early FAFSA filing. Money is seldom an unlimited resource, and colleges are experiencing financial problems just like the rest of us. They have deadlines and bureaucratic procedures to follow in the preparation of aid packages. And many of these deadlines come much earlier than you think.

Also, don’t delay just because you haven’t filed taxes yet. Use last year’s returns and plan to amend later. Corrections to the original 2012-13 FAFSA may be submitted up until September 15, 2013.

As my mother-in-law says, “WIGIG”—when it’s gone, it’s gone. So use the quiet time you have available the rest of the holiday weekend to get FAFSA started. Why wait?