Would you like to know each time we add an announcement to the site? Subscribe to our RSS feed by clicking on the orange and white icon below. (Using Chrome? You may want to install the RSS Feed Reader for easier viewing of the feed.)

A Better FAFSA Process Means a Better Future for Everyone

Feature Box Example

This page applies to the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form only. Learn how to help students prepare and stay informed about the 2025–26 FAFSA form.

The FAFSA® process has changed to implement provisions of the FUTURE Act and the FAFSA Simplification Act. At a high level, the FAFSA changes are a significant overhaul of the FAFSA system, including an updated FAFSA form, need analysis, and provisions to many of the policies and procedures used by schools.

The FAFSA changes are being implemented in phases, with full implementation of major provisions in the 2024–25 award year.

The changes will provide

  • a more streamlined application process,
  • expanded eligibility for federal student aid, and
  • a new user experience for the FAFSA form.

Use the resources on this page to communicate with students and families about how they can navigate these changes.

Note: These resources are for your use in your messaging. Please do not point students, parents, or borrowers to this website for financial aid information. Instead, send them to StudentAid.gov.

Resources for Reference and Outreach

Below you'll find resources for learning about the FAFSA changes and communicating with students and their families.

Sample Emails

  • Submit Your FAFSA® Form email (student): Reminds students who have started but not submitted a FAFSA form to complete it as soon as possible.
  • Submit Your FAFSA® Form Section email (contributor): Reminds required contributors who have provided information on a student's FAFSA form to sign and submit their section.
  • Missing Signature email (student): Informs students that they and/or their contributor(s) must make a correction to provide a signature on their FAFSA form.
  • Missing Signature email (contributor): Informs required contributors that they must make a correction to add their signature to a student's FAFSA form.
  • Direct Unsubsidized Loan Only email: Alerts dependent students who selected to apply for only a Direct Unsubsidized Loan that they can make a correction if they want to change their answer.
  • Action Required email: Notifies students that their form is in an "Action Required" status, which means they and/or their contributor(s) may need to make a correction.
  • Unusual Circumstances email: Informs students who reported having an unusual circumstance that they should follow up with their college's or career/trade school's financial aid office and provide any requested documentation of their circumstance to complete their application.
  • Unaccompanied Homeless Youth email: Informs students who reported being an unaccompanied homeless youth that they should follow up with their college's or career/trade school's financial aid office and provide a written statement or arrange for a formal interview to complete their application.

Webinars

  • FAFSA® Changes: An Overview webinar: Provides an overview of the FAFSA changes, including the contributor role, the StudentAid.gov account requirement, the SAI, the requirement for consent and approval to have federal tax information transferred, and the changes to special and unusual circumstances.
  • Special Student Populations and Circumstances for the 2024–25 FAFSA® Form webinar: Helps college access professionals guide students with special and unusual circumstances, and students who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, through the FAFSA process. This webinar covers key terminology, how to navigate the professional judgment process, and what documentation students may need to provide.
  • Resources to Effectively Engage Families for Upcoming FAFSA® Changes webinar: Explores how tools and resources can help students and families complete the FAFSA form and navigate the financial aid process. This webinar also covers the 2024–25 FAFSA changes and general application timelines.
  • 2024–25 FAFSA® Demonstration webinar: Shares a tour of the new features in the FAFSA form and discusses important updates to the FAFSA experience, including the new roles page, how to invite contributors, the new question order, the student demographic questions, the parent wizard, and other features. This demonstration shows a scenario of a dependent student with married parents who file a joint tax return.

    • *The Department of Education strives to make all content accessible to everyone. While this document does not currently meet the standards of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Federal Student Aid is working to create accessible versions. For immediate assistance on receiving a 508 compliant document, please send us a written request including the title of the document, date of the request, and your email address to:

    Federal Student Aid Information Center
    P.O. Box 84
    Washington, DC 20044

    Federal Student Aid Resources

    Stay up to date about federal student aid.

    Federal Student Aid Partner Emails: Subscribe to receive email communications from Federal Student Aid.

    Federal Student Aid Outreach YouTube Channel: Watch webinar recordings and other videos for college access professionals.

    June 06, 2024