What does it mean to be selected for verification?
If your FAFSA is selected for verification, you will need to complete some additional paperwork and submit supporting documentation so we can review this data and ensure your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is correct. If corrections need to be made, the Financial Aid Office will do so during this process. Verification is an important process used to ensure that the correct amount of financial aid is provided to the right students.
Why did I get selected for verification? Did I do something wrong?
There are many reasons why a FAFSA may be selected for verification. Perhaps the FAFSA was submitted with data that appears inconsistent or unusual, or includes the type of information that is frequently misreported. Alternatively, you may have been selected for verification through a random process.
Birthingway is required to review all applicants that have been selected by the Department of Education (ED) for verification. Further, we may select additional applications beyond those selected by ED to verify.
What happens if I don’t submit my verification information?
Your FAFSA will not be considered complete, and you will not receive an award letter nor financial aid disbursement, until after all verification information has been submitted, reviewed, and finalized.
What information are you verifying?
The Department of Education defines specific information to be verified. During the 2015-16 award year, schools are required to review:
- Household size
- Number in college
- Receipt of Food Stamps
- Child Support Paid
- High School Completion
- Identity/educational purpose
- Adjusted Gross Income
- Income Earned from Work
- Taxes Paid
- Untaxed Income (including untaxed IRA distributions, untaxed pensions, education credits, IRA deductions and tax exempt interest)
How will I know what to do?
The Financial Aid Officer will send you a letter explaining what you need to submit, as well as a verification worksheet to complete. At any point in the process, you are welcome to contact the Financial Aid Officer for assistance.