FAFSA FAQs
From UConn Student Financial Aid Services
Contents |
What is FAFSA on the Web?
FAFSA on the Web is a U.S. Department of Education web site where students can complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online and submit it via the Internet at the following address: http://fafsa.ed.gov
FAFSA on the Web submits data directly to the U.S. Department of Education's Central Processing System (CPS). The CPS will process applications within 72 hours.
Because electronic signatures hold the same legal status as written signatures, students and parents of dependent students applying for aid may electronically sign their FAFSA on the Web by using their PIN (personal identification number). This will allow the student aid process to be completed entirely online.
How do I get a PIN?
The PIN serves as an identifier to allow students access to their personal information and various U.S. Department of Education systems. It is similar to the Personal Identification Number issued by banks, allowing access to personal accounts. The PIN serves as an electronic signature. It should not be shared with anyone!
You can apply for a PIN from within FAFSA on the Web or at the Federal Student Aid PIN Web site. After completing the PIN application, you must choose how you want your PIN delivered to you. The choices are to
- Create your own PIN
- Have a system-generated PIN instantly displayed online
- Have a system-generated PIN instantly sent in a secure link to your permanent e-mail address
- Have a system-generated PIN mailed to your permanent postal mailing address
Students and parents should each request their own PIN before completing the FAFSA so that both may electronically sign the application.
What will I need?
New applicants and parents will need to provide their name, social security number, date of birth, mailing address, email address (required to receive PIN via email)and a challenge question. This information will be submitted electronically to the CPS. When the submission has been successfully completed, a confirmation number will appear on the screen.
Your PIN is considered to be conditional until your information is verified with the Social Security Administration (SSA). You may sign a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with it, but nothing else. Once verification with the SSA is completed (1-3 days), you will be able to use your PIN to access your personal information on Federal Student Aid Web sites.
What else can I use my PIN for?
If the SSA confirms your information, the PIN is then valid for all its uses, which include:
- Access to your Student Aid Report online
- Access to your data to make corrections
- The option to pre-fill a FAFSA with demographic information from the previous year
- Access to your information on other Federal Student Aid Web sites, such as the National Student Loan Data System
| For any questions about the PIN process, or for help completing the FAFSA, please contact the Federal Student Information Center at 1-800-433-3243, or visit their website at: http://fafsa.ed.gov |
Click here to fill out your FAFSA online
If you are a first-time applicant, you must request a PIN
