What happens after document submission?
Once all requested documents are submitted for review, the SFRS office will review
the submissions and compare against the data submitted on the FAFSA for accuracy.
If any discrepancies are found, SFRS will correct the FAFSA data via a U.S. Department
of Education (ED) website. If more information is required for SFRS to make a determination
of accuracy, the student will be contacted by telephone or student email with the
request.
It is the student’s responsibility to provide any and all information requested.
SFRS is unable to disburse federal student financial aid until the verification process
is complete. Failure to comply in a timely manner with the request for verification
documents may result in a student not being eligible for federal aid.
Please note:
Until the verification process is completed by SFRS, a financial aid award value determined,
and acceptance of said award occurs, any class registration will be subject to the
College’s published payment deadlines. Registration is held in place only by student
payment or an accepted financial aid award. Student registration is subject to cancellation
without some form of payment on the account.
How long does the verficiation process take to complete?
During peak periods, it may take up to 21 business days for documents to be reviewed.
If SFRS must make corrections to a student’s FAFSA, an additional 5-10 business days
are required to submit to DOE and upload the updated FAFSA data to the student’s financial
aid file. Once the verification process is complete, financial aid awards will be
determined and applied to the student account. Students may track the progress by
logging into their Financial Aid Self Service account.
What types of information may be requested?
Information requested for the Verification process may include, but is not limited
to, the following data for a student, a student’s spouse, or the parent(s) of a dependent
student:
- Adjusted Gross Income
- Taxes Paid
- Income Earned from Work
- Untaxed Income and Benefits
- Household Size
- Number of Household Members in College
- Citizenship or Eligible Non-Citizenship Status
- Veteran Status
- Social Security Number
- High School Completion Status
- Identity/Statement of Education Purpose
Tax returns and verification of non-filing
Updated 2019-2020 Verification Requirements
Income Tax returns: In addition to a Tax Return Transcript, institutions may accept
a signed copy of the 2017 income tax returns (IRS 1040), a tax return transcript,
Record of Account Transcript and Return Transcript for Taxpayer from the IRS.
Verification of Non-filing (VNF): If the individual is unable to obtain Verification
of Non-filing from the IRS or other tax authorities, the institution may accept a
signed statement certifying that the individual:
- Attempted to obtain the VNF from the IRS;
- Has not filed and is not required to file a 2017 income tax return
- Has provided to SFRS a listing of the sources of any 2017 Federal income earned by
the individual from work with the amount of income from each source; and
- A copy of IRS Form W-2 or an equivalent document, if applicable, for each source of
2017 employment income received by the individual.
False or misleading information
OCC must refer to the Office of Inspector General any credible information indicating
that a Title IV aid applicant, school employee, or third party server may have engaged
in fraud or other criminal misconduct in connection with the Title IV programs. Any
intentional attempt to deceive or mislead by submitting improper documentation will
be referred as required.
Common misconducts include, but are not limited to:
- Claims of independent student status
- False claims of citizenship
- Use of false identities
- Forgery of signatures of certifications
- False statement of income
Change in entitlement
If it is determined that a student has received federal, state, or institutional funds
that they were not entitled to receive, the student will be required to repay the
amount received. If a repayment is not made, the overpayment may be reported to the
U.S. Department of Education, preventing receipt of future federal aid until resolved.
Additional Information
Watch Financial Aid TV for more information on Title IV Federal Verification.
