HomeMy WebLinkAbout120624 - The _new_ FAFSA is here!ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
getting federal financial aid is easier than ever…
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Dear friend,
As you know, I try to only write to you when I have helpful or important information to share: the Department of Education announced that the new Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=quorum_murray-iq&crop=16764.51341892.18432014.8742293&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fstudentaid.gov%2fh%2fapply-for-aid%2ff
afsa&redir_log=886416826024305> ) is now open for all students and families applying for the 2025–2026 school year! This brand-new version of the FAFSA is much quicker and easier to
fill out—which should help give folks an even better shot at getting the federal financial aid they need to attend the college they choose.
I wrote—and passed—the FAFSA Simplification Act in 2020 to expand access to federal financial aid and make it easier for more students to apply for and receive the financial aid they
deserve. I’m excited to see these changes continue being rolled out, as I know all too well how stressful the FAFSA process can be for families in Washington state. The new, streamlined
FAFSA is a big step forward—but it’s critical that students file as early as possible. Some types of funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so the earlier students apply,
the more money they may be able to receive. That being said, if any student hasn’t yet filled out their FAFSA for the current 2024-2025 school year, this is a reminder that they could
be leaving money on the table!
Who should fill out the FAFSA?
Any current or incoming college student, regardless of income, who would like to be considered for financial aid. Financial aid can include scholarships, grants, work-study, or loans.
Key Dates to Remember:
* FAFSA Opens: The FAFSA for the 2025-2026 school year is open as of November 22nd!
* Priority Deadline: The federal deadline isn’t until June 30th, 2025, but as I mentioned before, schools award some types of aid on a first-come, first-served basis, so take advantage
and apply as soon as you can!
How to Apply:
1. Gather your information: You will need your social security number and other information you might need includes your parents’ or legal guardian’s social security number if they have
one and you or your guardian’s tax returns and forms.
2. Fill out the FAFSA <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=quorum_murray-iq&crop=16764.51341892.18432014.8742293&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fstudentaid.gov%2ffsa-id%2fsi
gn-in%2flanding%3fredirectTo%3d%252Ffafsa-apply%252F%252Ffafsa-apply%252F2024-25%252Froles&redir_log=550867061752690> : Create an account or log into your FAFSA profile to start your
application. The process should take about an hour or less, and you can follow a step-by-step guide here <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=quorum_murray-iq&crop=16764.5134
1892.18432014.8742293&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fstudentaid.gov%2fapply-for-aid%2ffafsa%2ffilling-out&redir_log=982189553981378> . Once you’ve finished, review all the information
you entered to ensure it’s correct before you submit. Your application will be sent to all the schools you identified on the form—if you’re still not sure where you plan to attend,
you can add up to 100 schools and they will all receive your information.
3. Receive your Student Aid Report (SAR): This report will be generated and sent to you after you fill out the FAFSA. It will summarize all the information you provided. Make sure it’s
correct, and then be on the lookout for financial aid offers from the schools you applied to. Each school’s financial aid office will let you know what aid you qualified for, and it
may vary from school to school!
Need Help?
The Washington State Office of Student Financial Assistance <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid=quorum_murray-iq&crop=16764.51341892.18432014.8742293&report_id=&redirect=http
s%3a%2f%2fwsac.wa.gov%2fapply&redir_log=964685731387176> has great resources and information, workshops and events to get hands-on help, and offers assistance to prospective students
through the FAFSA process. You can contact them at (360) 753-7800.
Each of my six siblings and I were only able to attend college thanks to federal support, so I know firsthand the difference it can make. I strongly believe students should know that
the federal government has their back and will help them pursue their dreams. I worked hard to pass the FAFSA Simplification Act to increase the amount of aid available to students
and make the process of getting federal aid easier than ever—and know that I’ll keep fighting to double the maximum award for Pell Grants <https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/iqClickTrk.aspx?&cid
=quorum_murray-iq&crop=16764.51341892.18432014.8742293&report_id=&redirect=https%3a%2f%2fwww.murray.senate.gov%2fmurray-hirono-colleagues-introduce-bill-to-double-pell-grant-make-college-more-afforda
ble%2f&redir_log=439323982256838> and make college more affordable and accessible to all.
In service,
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Patty Murray
United States Senator for Washington state
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