Who Should File Your FAFSA?
With FAFSA season underway, families face an important decision: who will complete this critical financial aid application? Understanding your options and their implications helps you make the best choice for your situation.
Your Three Options
The School Due to California law passed two years ago, schools have taken on responsibility for ensuring FAFSAs are filed. Students can waive out of school assistance, but schools may still pressure students to participate in school-based filing events.
Self-Filing Parents can complete the FAFSA themselves using the guidance provided in previous tips and resources.
Professional Assistance Experienced college counselors can handle the entire process for families.
It's up to parents - not schools - to determine how the FAFSA will be filed.
Schools may make students feel guilty about declining their assistance, but this is a family decision based on privacy concerns, complexity of your situation, and comfort level with the process.
If schools file FAFSAs, they will need:
Your username and password
Social security numbers and dates of birth
Potentially financial information (if you haven't filed taxes)
Common Issues with School Filing:
Privacy concerns about sharing sensitive information
Schools often struggle with complex situations (foster children, guardianship arrangements, non-traditional family structures)
Limited knowledge about filing based on estimates when tax returns aren't ready
Incomplete applications if schools don't finish what they started
The Problem with Mixing Methods
Choose one approach and stick with it. Common problems arise when:
You start filing yourself, then call for help mid-process
Schools begin the application but never finish
You switch methods partway through
Professional filers need to be involved from the beginning to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Special Circumstances Require Expertise
Families with these situations particularly benefit from professional assistance:
Foster children or guardianship arrangements
Unfiled tax returns requiring estimate-based filing
Complex family structures
Mixed-income households with multiple financial sources
Schools typically lack the specialized knowledge to handle these situations correctly.
Making Your Decision
Consider these factors:
Privacy: Are you comfortable sharing financial information with school staff?
Complexity: Does your situation involve special circumstances?
Confidence: Do you understand the FAFSA process well enough to self-file?
Time: Do you have time to carefully complete the application?
Get the Help You Need
Whether you choose to file independently or seek professional assistance, the key is selecting one method and following through completely.
File Your FAFSA Here: www.fafsa.gov
If you want EEP to file your FAFSA for you, REGISTER TODAY:
2-Income Families: https://bit.ly/2incomefam
1-Income Families: https://bit.ly/1incomefam
Remember: This is your family's decision. Make the choice that provides the most accuracy, privacy, and peace of mind for your specific situation.
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