Verification Process 

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What is verification?

Verification is a process designed to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on the FAFSA. Each year, the U.S. Department of Education selects a portion of FAFSA applicants for verification. Florida Atlantic University also may select students for verification in order to resolve conflicting information. This process helps confirm that the data reported by students and their parents is correct.

During verification, the University compares the FAFSA information with the documentation submitted by the student. If any adjustments are needed, the University will update the information based on the provided documentation and send these changes electronically to the Department of Education for approval. Once the Department of Education approves the changes, the University will adjust the financial aid offer accordingly.

Federal financial aid and some types of state and university financial aid cannot be disbursed until verification is complete. Financial aid administrators are required to request specific financial documents and any other relevant information to support the FAFSA details and resolve any discrepancies. Verification may lead to corrections that could change award amounts, potentially affecting eligibility for aid and the deferment of tuition and fees. If verification is not completed within the specified deadlines, estimated financial aid awards may be removed, and any deferred tuition and fees will become due immediately.

Additionally, if a student is selected for verification after aid has been disbursed, they may be billed for any incomplete verification or adjustments to eligibility resulting from verification corrections.

I was selected for verification. What will I be asked to submit?

If you are selected for verification, you will receive an email from the Office of Student Financial Aid directing you to log into MyFAU Self Service and view your missing requirements. Your Self Service portal will list the documents needed. You will be asked to submit a Verification Worksheet. In addition, other documentation may also be requested at the Financial Aid Office’s discretion, such as:

  • IRS Tax Return Transcripts
  • IRS Non-Filers letter
  • W2 forms
  • Valid government issued photo ID
  • Proof of marital status of student or parents
  • Other FAU Forms and worksheets

How can I request a copy of my tax return transcript or verification of non-filing letter?

If the Office of Student Financial Aid requested a copy of your taxes or a verification of non-filing letter, you can request a transcript in the following ways:

  1. Online: Use the IRS Get Transcript online service to download and print your transcript immediately: http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript.  For this service, you need:
    • Your SSN, date of birth, filing status, and mailing address from your latest tax return.
    • Access to your email account.
    • A personal account number from a credit card, mortgage, home equity loan, home equity line of credit, or car loan.
    • A mobile phone with your name on the account
  2. By Mail:Request the transcript through the Get Transcript by Mail service. For this option, you need:
    • Your SSN or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).
    • Your date of birth.
    • Your mailing address from your latest tax return (must match exactly as listed on your return).
  3. Form 4506-T: Alternatively, complete IRS Form 4506-T and mail or fax it to the appropriate IRS office. The address and fax number are provided on page 2 of Form 4506-T. Once you receive your IRS Tax Return Transcript, submit a copy to the Office of Financial Aid.

Victims of Identity theft must obtain a TAX RETURN DATA BASE VIEW FORM by contacting (800) 908-4490.

What is the deadline to submit my verification documents?

All complete verification documents received at least three weeks prior to the first day of the term will be processed in time to be eligible for deferment for the following academic term. Three weeks prior to the first day of the term is the "priority deadline" for fee deferment purposes. Verification documents will be processed in order of receipt, and aid may be delayed until after the term begins if documents are submitted late. Students may need to make alternative payment arrangements if verification is not completed in time for fee deferment.

We encourage you to submit your verification documents as soon as possible so that we can determine your financial aid eligibility. Some types of financial aid, such as university and state grants, are limited and awarded based on availability of funds. To be considered for most types of federal financial aid, including loans, you must submit your verification documents while you are still enrolled for the aid year and no later than two weeks prior to the end of the semester. 

If you are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, you must complete the verification process by mid-September of the following aid year (exact date as published in Federal Register) OR 120 days after your last date of enrollment, whichever comes first. For example, if a Pell-eligible student is selected for verification for the 2024-2025 aid year, documents must be submitted by September 20, 2025 OR 120 days after the last day of the student's enrollment, whichever comes first.

What else do I need to know about verification?

Remember that no aid can be offered or disbursed until the student submits the Verification Worksheet and other requested documents, and any discrepancies or conflicting information are resolved. If a student is selected for verification after aid has been disbursed, they may be required to repay the already disbursed aid based on failure to submit verification documents, or based on changes to their eligibility once verification is completed. This does not include Bright Futures Scholarships, or any other non-need based university or external scholarships, which do not require FAFSA information.  

Federal, state or university funding will be based on:

  • The date all Verification requirements are received
  • The enrollment term(s)
  • The Student Aid Index as calculated by FAFSA
  • Availability of funds

Once Verification has been completed, the student will receive an updated FAFSA Submission Summary noting any changes to the SAI. If a student is selected for Verification after receiving aid offers, aid will be adjusted accordingly.

Upload your documents securely using OWL FILES .   Please upload each document as a whole file and not as individual pages.  We do not accept emailed or faxed documents.

Questions about verification? Contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.