Hi, all:
For the first time in all my years of school, I was selected to verify information on my FAFSA. My school required me to submit my parents’ tax return for 2016 and verify the members in my household.
My dad passed away unexpectedly at the end of June this year. In 2016, my parents filed a joint return as they always did. When I filled out the FAFSA this year (after the death of my dad), I indicated my mother was now a widow. The FAFSA asked for just my mother’s income, and that is what I provided.
Looking at my SAR, it says that my parents’ marital status doesn’t agree with the 2016 filing status, which is true, of course. I have a feeling this is what triggered the verification selection, especially since I qualify for a Pell Grant. Should I have NOT indicated my mother was now a widow? The FAFSA asked what the status of my parents’ marital status was as of the submission date, so I’m just confused why there is an issue.
Could I possibly have to submit a death certificate to verify that my dad is deceased and I’m not trying to get extra money? This whole process just makes me feel like I did something wrong.
I’m so sorry about your dad. No, you didn’t do anything wrong. I think any major change triggers a verification. We got picked for verification this year too, and the only change for us is an additional kid in college. As long as you supply the information the college requests you’ll be fine.
Sorry for your loss. ^Probably this. But there are quite a few random ones too. We had to verify a few items this year, no real reason that I could tell. I would guess this is just a minor inconvenience and not a real problem. Just give them what the want so things don’t get held up.
Agreed. I too am sorry for your loss. Your parent tax filing status and marital status not being the same likely triggered the verification.
I do have one question…your dad passed away in June 2018? Is that correct? Are you saying you filed your 2018-2019 FAFSA after June? OR did you file it for the 2018-2019 academic year earlier with married status, and then amend it after your dad passed?
Regardless…just give the school what they ask for. You might need a death certificate, but you will also need some documentation of you dad’s portion of the 2016 income so the school can verify that you didn’t include the right amount in total.
Yes, I filed after he died. I filed the first week of July.
Your school should tell you want they need. Just give them the requested info ASAP…very ASAP…because you want this resolved so you can get your aid!
Your verification must be completed and until it is…your aid won’t be disbursed, IIRC.
In your case, I might give the financial aid office a call.
I sent in the requested forms last Friday. I sent a follow-up email on Monday. and one of the representatives from OSA told me they had received them and were getting ready to process them. My school says there is roughly a two-week processing time for verification forms.
It’s a little crummy because I won’t be getting my refund until later than expected. I hope the processing only takes two weeks, but I know they’re busy this time of year.
The verification may also have been triggered because you can’t use the DRT since the tax status of the parent with the FSA ID (your mother) isn’t the same as the status for the 2016 tax return. The same happens when parents divorce and change the tax status.
Sorry for your loss. Just keep on top of the paperwork and give the FA office whatever it asks for. The same thing is likely to happen for next year, and they’ll need the same paperwork and explanations (2017 tax status doesn’t match your mom’s current status) so file the FAFSA early.
Fortunately, this is my last semester.
If I would’ve known that verification was a thing, I definitely would have tried to file earlier.
@NewBeginnings3
If you had filed earlier, you would have had married parents and both incomes would have been required.
Right, but I think after the parent died, he could request professional judgment.
OP…I’m so sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your beloved father.
I’ve heard that sometimes a copy of death certificate is required, so be prepared. Your mom may have copies. Many funeral homes get several for the family because they know they’re needed for insurance, etc.
Thank you! Our funeral director actually gave us several copies for situations like this. I think, in his experience, he’s heard of colleges/universities requesting them when students apply for financial aid.
I also have an additional question; I am sure someone might have an answer.
For my PLUS loan that my mother took out, we never got a disclosure statement like we always do. The loan was approved, and my school has it “pending” on my account, but I have not received that disclosure statement. Could it be that because I need to go through this verification process, I did not get a statement? Should I get one after the process is completed?
Are they adjusting the amount of the PLUS loan because you will have less left uncovered this semester? Example, if you usually borrow $5000 as a plus loan, but now have $5000 as a Pell grant, you might have no need for the Plus loan this semester.
Your aid is pending as long as verification has not been completed. No Plus loan can be paid out as long as verification is still in process.
@twoinanddone, I didn’t qualify for the full Pell Grant.
My documents have been received by the office, and now I think they’re almost done processing everything because we just got a disclosure statement for our loan this morning.
Thank you, all, for your help!