Subscribe in a reader08.02.08 | 2009-2010 Draft FAFSA Available for Review
The Department of Education has published a draft (subject to changes) copy of the 2009-2010 FAFSA for public review. Lots of changes – this is a significantly different FAFSA than in previous years, with things like the worksheets completely gone. Here’s a comprehensive list of changes.
Summary of Changes 2009-2010 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Colors – The 2009-2010 FAFSA colors are green for student information and purple for parent information.
Year References – All year references have been incremented by one year.
Design – The design and layout of the FAFSA have changed. The application pages are numbered five through ten. The Notes pages are numbered one through three. The ‘What is the FAFSA?’ (Frequently asked questions) information is incorporated into the booklet as page four. As in previous years, a return envelope is included.
Worksheets incorporated into the application — The Worksheets page has been eliminated (page 5 of the 2008-2009 FAFSA) and the majority of the Worksheets data elements have been incorporated into the application (page 7 of the 2009-2010 FAFSA). The data elements are incorporated as follows:
Worksheet A – Deleted (See ‘Data Elements Deleted’ below)
Worksheet B – Becomes question 47 (student) and question 95 (parents)
Worksheet C – Becomes question 46 (student) and question 94 (parents)
Data Elements added – The most significant changes include the expansion of the dependency criteria (page 7) to designate individuals who were in foster care (question 55); emancipated minors (question 56) or minors in legal guardianship (question 57); and individuals that have been verified as an unaccompanied youth who are homeless children or youth or are at risk of homelessness (question 58-60) as independent students for FAFSA/Title IV, HEA program assistance purposes.
Other changes include:
Adding the TEACH Grant question to the paper FAFSA (question 32);
Reformatting the veterans education benefit questions to ask whether the applicant received benefits (question 44) and to indicate what type of benefits were received (question 45)
Adding a field to allow parents to provide an email address (question 71);
Adding ‘dislocated worker’ to the list of criteria that could qualify an applicant for the Simplified Needs Test and or Automatic Zero EFC (question 85);
Increasing the time period for measuring Federal means-tested benefits from 12 months to 24 months (Steps Four & Five of the FAFSA).
Data Elements deleted –
Two data elements have been deleted from question 47 (formerly Worksheet B). They are ‘Foreign income exclusion…” and “Credit for federal tax on special fuels…”.
Worksheet A is deleted, including the following four data elements:
Earned income credit from IRS Form 1040;
Additional child tax credit from IRS Form 1040;
Welfare benefits, including TANF;
Social Security benefits received, that were not taxed (such as SSI)
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When will the ‘09′-’10 FAFSA be completed?
August 19th, 2008 | #
we are looking for help in funding our children schooling.we would like to know if you can help us.please if you can call us at (919)202-4751.THANK YOU
August 19th, 2008 | #
Grace: It will be finalized in the first days of October after the comment period ends.
Johnny: Please call 1-800-4-FED-AID.
August 22nd, 2008 | #
I don’t see any information on the expected change in Pell Grant amounts for 2009/2010. I have read in a few places that it may go up to $6000. Anyone have any information on this, or what ones expected EFC must be below in order to qualify for a pell grant?
October 3rd, 2008 | #
It is now 10-7=2008 are the 2009-2010 FASA forms ready yet?
October 7th, 2008 | #
It is now 10-7-08 are the 09/10 FASA forms ready?
October 7th, 2008 | #
Are the 09/10 forms ready yet?
October 11th, 2008 | #
The 2009-2010 FAFSA requires the income information for the whole calander year of 2008. For this reason it is not available until Jan of 2009.
October 18th, 2008 | #
Alright, thanks.
October 21st, 2008 | #
The 2009-2010 forms are still in draft status as of 11/12/2008. We’re expecting any day now for the Department of Education to finalize the new FAFSA. In the meantime, we’re writing the new 2009-2010 FAFSA guide based on the draft form.
November 12th, 2008 | #
Hey quick question? Im on my parents taxes whom make over well over $100,000 a year, and they dont pay a cent for me nor my education. Is there anything i can do to recieve any benifits through these conditions?
November 18th, 2008 | #
Thanksgiving has come and gone where are the 09-10 forms?
November 29th, 2008 | #
@David: Still waiting on our colleagues at the US Department of Education…
December 1st, 2008 | #
go to fafsa.ed.gov also the worksheet for the fafsa on the web will not be available until mid Jan. I have talked to DOE and everyone else.
December 11th, 2008 | #
The new fafsa will be and also has been available to the public on 1/2/09 or the second day of each new year.
Thank you
December 13th, 2008 | #
When will the 2009-2010 application come on the FAFSA website and can it only be submitted on January 1?
December 14th, 2008 | #
If I’m applying to grad school for fall 2009 am I supposed to fill out the 2008-2009 FAFSA or 2009-2010? I’m told I should fill it out now, so if the 2009 isn’t available until Jan should I wait?
December 14th, 2008 | #
Hi
I am parent of incoming freshman 2009 – do I use my 2007 tax forms or do I have to wait for 2008 tax forms to be completed before I can submit FAFSA app
Thanks! Sorry for dup ? checked email notify when get answer
December 16th, 2008 | #
I need financial assistance from FAFSA for the continuity of my further education in UK.
thanks you for passing through my comment and I am still haven hope for FAFSA assistance.
December 17th, 2008 | #
every cent: if you are starting in fall 2009, wait for the 09/10 FAFSA, which will be available after 1/1/09.
December 17th, 2008 | #
The FAFSA application on the web for 2009-2010 becomes available at12:01 AM 1/1/2009.
@Her Every Cent: For fall 2009, you complete the 2009-2010 FAFSA.
@Shari: You can estimate your 2008 taxes to complete the FAFSA quickly or do your taxes as soon as possible for a filing after 1/1.
December 17th, 2008 | #
@carrie: spot on – are you sure you don’t work here?
December 17th, 2008 | #
I have some questions about how to fill out my fafsa i live with my father who recieves social security benefits and i also get a check from his but that is our only income and we dont file tax’s. what do i do?
January 4th, 2009 | #
@Christy: You should start filing your taxes, if only so that you have corroborating documentation for financial aid purposes that you don’t have significant income. I would strongly recommend doing your taxes before you file the FAFSA.
January 5th, 2009 | #
What is the Max EFC to be eligible for the Pell Grant for 09/10?
January 8th, 2009 | #
I don’t see anyplace to claim foreign earned income on the 2009-2010 fafsa. I heard we don’t have to claim it. Is this true?
March 18th, 2009 | #
Hello Lori,
Foreign income is exempt.
March 19th, 2009 | #