Summary
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for college students is available earlier than ever this year, aiming to improve the process and avoid previous delays. The FAFSA form is important for students seeking federal loans and grants for college. Recent changes include early access for some students and a faster identity verification process.
Key Facts
- Students can now apply for FAFSA starting earlier than previous years.
- The form is necessary for federal student loans and grants for the 2026-27 school year.
- In 2020, Congress passed a law to make the FAFSA process simpler, but past issues caused delays.
- Past delays led to fewer students, especially those from high poverty areas, completing FAFSA.
- This year, some students could fill out FAFSA early through a test run by the Department of Education.
- A new verification tool allows students to quickly confirm their identity using their Social Security number.
- Over 125,000 FAFSA applications have already started, according to the Department of Education.
- Students can invite family members to help complete the form via email without creating a separate account.
