Verification Process

Verification is the process by which schools review student financial aid applications for accuracy. Institutions that participate in Federal Title IV aid programs are required to perform verification on a selection of students. Verification is comparing documents submitted by the student to data elements the student provided on the FAFSA (captured in the ISIR). 

When selected for verification, the student is notified by your school via email. This communication directs the student to the Student Verification Portal to review a list of the documents that must be submitted (and possibly corrected) before financial aid can be awarded. Financial aid staff members can add required documents to the student document list as necessary.

As a staff member, you might be required to verify all or some the following data elements provided by the student FAFSA. The following is not a complete list of verification documents that could be required. Specific documents might be requested based on the specific student/family circumstances. However, these are many of the typical types of information to be provided by the student so that you can verify the information on their ISIR.

  • Adjusted Gross Income for the Student (and parent if the student is dependent)

  • U.S. Income Tax Paid by the Student (and parent if the student is dependent)

  • Income Earned from Work (for non-tax filers)

  • Untaxed Portions of Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Distributions and Pensions for the Student (and parent if the student is dependent)

  • IRA Deductions and Payments

  • Tax Exempt Interest Income

  • Education Tax Credits

  • Household Size

  • Number in College

  • Any other inconsistent or conflicting information