Federal
Verification
Overview
Each year, a certain number of all financial aid applications are selected for the verification process.
What is Federal Verification?
It’s a process to confirm that the information on the FAFSA you submitted is an accurate snapshot of your finances.
Why was my FAFSA selected?
You were probably chosen at random, like the vast majority of those selected. In fact, one out of three of our applicants are selected each year. It’s not something to be alarmed by, but you should take it seriously and respond quickly.
How will verification affect my financial aid?
Incorrect or outdated information is corrected if found during the verification process, which could result in a recalculation of your financial aid. This recalculation could result in more or less financial aid being offered for you.
Verification Process
Once an application has been selected for verification, the process must be completed prior to financial aid disbursement on a student bill.
By signing the FAFSA, students and/or parents "agree, if asked, to provide information that will verify the accuracy of your completed form. This information may include U.S. or state income tax forms that you filed or are required to file."
Students selected for the verification process are notified in two ways:
1
Following FAFSA processing, each student is provided with a Student Aid Report (SAR) by the U.S. Department of Education. Students can easily access their SAR by logging into their FAFSA at Federal Student Aid. The SAR for selected applications will include the following comment: "Your FAFSA has been selected for a review process called verification. Your school has the authority to request copies of certain financial documents from you and your parent(s)/spouse."
2
Students selected for verification will also receive one official mailed notification from the Office of Student Records and Financial Services. This letter will alert the student of his or her selection status. Email reminders will be sent to the Alfred State email account periodically for any students with outstanding verification requirements.
Completing Verification
Students selected for verification should begin by visiting my.AlfredState.edu/finances and selecting the "FAFSA Verification" icon. First time users will sign in with their Alfred State network credentials and will have to verify their identity. Verification instructions (PDF) are also available.
Contact our office for additional information or if you have questions.
Alfred State College
Student Records and Financial Aid
10 Upper College Drive
Alfred, NY 14802
Phone Number • 607-587-4253
Fax Number • 607-587-4298