FAFSA and CSS - bank balance question

I usually just screen shot my bank balance for the day I file. I need to file today but I have several check deposits that have not cleared and a couple of deposits that have not been credited - the deposits are somewhat more than the withdrawals. Should I go by checkbook balance that accounts for everything or what my bank says my balance is?

It’s really no big deal unless you are floating thousands of dollars. They know it’s a moving target.

I work for a social service agency and applicants must provide their bank balance as well as a bank statement, which often don’t match, no problem. Problem for our program only arises if their balance happens to fall over our resource limit.

I have filled out many FinAid applications over the years for myself and my kids. Just put down any honest figure by whatever method, unless you are close to some monetary cutoff, in which case more detail might be required.

It might it matter. But I will,say, back in 2003, we were asked to provide bank statements as part of our verification process at the school our kid planned to attend.

It should say something like “available balance”. You could use that.

It seems like it doesn’t matter much if you wait in your case, since the outstanding checks are almost the same as the outstanding deposits.

If there is a deadline, I would file today. If not you can wait.

If the total assets are under asset protection amount, then it won’t even ask for balance details.