<p>So I had submitted my FAFSA on time back in February, using estimated figures and got an EFC of 800</p>
<p>Took some time, but I finally submitted the corrected data. This raised my EFC to 1800.</p>
<p>During all of this, I was not required to submit documentation for verification.</p>
<p>Today I was awarded financial aid based on the ** EFC of 800 **. Being the good college student, I called and asked why was I awarded aid based on erroneous data.</p>
<p>Turns out the FA office never received the corrections. Why? </p>
<p>** They chose not to redownload my FAFSA. Why? Because I didn't have to go through verification **.</p>
<p>So now I have to file an appeal with the FA Office, asking them to redownload my FAFSA and I also have to submit my parent's and my tax forms along with it.</p>
<p>I fail to understand why I must go through such a lengthy ordeal just to do the right thing :rolleyes:</p>
<p>Anyone else ever been in any wacky FA situations?</p>
<p>Some schools are stuck in their bureaucracy. You tried, but bumped into the policy. I think it’s okay is this case to accept the windfall; they’ll probably catch up next year. :)</p>
<p>Before people get any ideas, I have every intention of correcting my financial aid file, I’m just wondering why I have to appeal to them (it’ll take weeks) in order to get less aid 
(sounds weird doesn’t it?)</p>
<p>The consequences for knowingly accepting money based on wrong data isn’t exactly something I want hanging over my head.</p>
<p>Are there consequences? Can the FA office indemnify you? Was your estimate in good faith? You may be costing the school and the government more money than they’d save.</p>
<p>I mean, isn’t it fraud? That alone is convincing me to be honest (that and a good conscience)</p>
<p>And it’s a difference of about $1000 EFC wise + the fact I am living with my parents, so I might be saving the school/feds some money.</p>
<p>What I mean is that the processing of the paperwork could cost more than $1000.</p>
<p>How about asking the school’s FA office if they would like you to make the change? They could say “Thanks for being honest, but it will cost us more than we would save.” Or maybe they’d say “Yes, well done, thanks!” </p>
<p>If your estimate was in good faith, it’s not necessarily fraudulent.</p>
<p>Hmm see this is why I find the situation odd. I talked to a FA over the phone…maybe I should see one in person and give a better explanation. It just seems so odd to me that I need to file an appeal for something I feel is trivial.</p>
<p>“Hi financial aid officers at my school, I’m BEGGING you to reconsider this decision because I am entitled to less money. I know it will take weeks to decide whether to go download an updated FAFSA file or not.” seems kinda silly to me imo.</p>
<p>But yeah, I think I’ll talk to a FA counselor in person.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, this is not too uncommon. Financial aid office personnel are swamped and don’t have time to update all apps. That’s my guess for what happened in your situation.</p>
<p>But you did the right thing. And the legal thing - since the FAFSA is a federal form and there are severe penalties for intentionally giving incorrect info. That covers updates.</p>
<p>I bet this is not the answer you were hoping for - but you did the right thing.</p>
<ul>
<li>Andy Lockwood</li>
</ul>
<p>Unfortunately, this is not too uncommon. Financial aid office personnel are swamped and don’t have time to update all apps. That’s my guess for what happened in your situation.</p>
<p>But you did the right thing. And the legal thing - since the FAFSA is a federal form and there are severe penalties for intentionally giving incorrect info. That covers updates.</p>
<p>I bet this is not the answer you were hoping for - but you did the right thing.</p>
<ul>
<li>Andy Lockwood</li>
</ul>
<p>Andy, so did the OP do all that was required by filing the updated FAFSA? Is it strictly the school’s decision to do nothing, and the OP is absolved of further action? Thanks!</p>
<p>Andy - Well that’s why I submitted corrections! The school did nothing with them though (they didn’t even download them!) and that’s why I am wondering what have I gotten myself into. Remember, the school DID NOT select me for verification and as a result, they did not download my updated FAFSA.</p>
<p>Can you just return the excess to the school and say it is unneeded. That way you only took what you would have gotten with the corrected EFC.</p>
<p>It affects the amount of the Pell grant which, as an entitlement, is always accepted on the student’s behalf by the school. There’s probably no way to say it’s unneeded. Send an email to the FA office, preferably the director, and state your case (EFC raised by corrections, FA award based on estimates). Your notice will be documented and I’m sure you’ll receive a response. I think it’s likely the school will catch it anyway when they do their final awards…remember, the award letters are estimates and subject to change. We received revisions until mid-July last year!</p>
<p>Once final exams are over, I’ll take the time to settle this once and for all (they are starting next week). This year I was awarded aid much earlier than I expected (normally I’ve gotten it at the end of May).</p>
<p>Again, I find it so strange that they would even think of awarding me aid based on estimated data (I even stated on the FAFSA that I WILL FILE) and then not download new data.</p>
<p>Anyhow it seems I am in a situation not many people have found themselves in. Appreciate all the advice!</p>
<p>Also sk8rmom, that could be a possibility (catching it in a final award). For two straight years the school has changed my package (usually to give me more money) in August! Either way, I will meet with a counselor once my schedule is lighter.</p>
<p>You are wise to bring it to their attention. You would not want them coming back in a year or two to want money from you. If they made a mistake (and people are human), then they have every right to correct it when they find out. Your actions speak of your character. I am impressed.</p>
<p>mom4college, thanks for those kind words :). I’m not doing anything out of the ordinary though, I’m just doing what is required by law (only accepting aid based on correct data).</p>