Verification Groups

Many required documents fall into what is called a Verification Group (V-Group). Each verification group is a "bucket" that encompasses specific types of information that you must provide. Verification documents that are associated with a V-Group have the name of the V-group in the file name. For example, the "2019-2020 Verification Worksheet V1 Independent 1920" document requires information specific to that V-group. The V1 group documentation can be filled out and submitted electronically, while the V4 and V5 Groups must have the form downloaded and submitted via the instructions on the form.

For more in-depth information about these terms, see the Information for Financial Aid Professionals.

Note: The following information is taken from the 2019-2020 ED FSA Handbook. The V-Group information may change from academic year to academic year.

  • V1 - Standard Verification Group: Students in this group may be asked to verify all or some of the following information.

    • If the student is a tax filer,

      • Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)- Your or your family's wages, salaries, interest, dividends, etc., minus certain deductions from income as reported on a federal income tax return; this is commonly referred to as Adjusted Gross Income.

      • U.S. Income Tax Paid - The amount of money you paid in federal income tax.

      • Untaxed Portions of IRA Distributions - The total amount of the untaxed portions of IRA distributions you (and if married, your spouse) received.

      • Untaxed Portions and Pensions

      • IRA Deductions and Payments - The total amount of IRA deductions and payments.

      • Tax-exempt Interest Income - The total amount of tax-exempt interest income you reported.

      • Education Credits - The total amount of education credits (American Opportunity Tax Credit or Lifetime Learning Tax Credit) you (and if married, your spouse) received.

      • Household Size - This is the number of people that are considered a part of your household size.

      • Number in College - The total number of people in your household that attend college.

    • If the student is not a tax filer,

      • Income Earned From Work- Total amount for your parents' income earned.

      • Household Size - The number of people that are considered a part of your parents' household size.

      • Number in College - Number of people in your parents' household that attend college.

  • V2 - Not Currently Used by the Department of Education: This group is not currently used and is reserved for future use by the Department of Education.

  • V3 - Child Support Paid Verification Group: This group is not currently used and is reserved for future use by the Department of Education.

  • V4 - Custom Verification Group: Students must verify high school completion status and identity/statement of educational purpose in addition to receipt of SNAP benefits and payment of child support.

  • V5 - Aggregate Verification Group: Students must verify high school completion status and identity/statement of educational purpose in addition to the items in the Standard Verification GroupV6 - Household Resources Group. This group is not currently used and is reserved for future use by the Department of Education.