If your FAFSA is selected for verification
Some FAFSA applications may be selected for "verification" by the Central Processing System or LaGrange College. Verification is simply the process of evaluating the accuracy of the information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you are selected for verification, you will be asked to submit documentation to verify the accuracy of the data elements reported on the FAFSA.
The U.S. Department of Education annually issues a list of data elements that must be reviewed and acceptable documentation of the data element. The Financial Aid Office will send you a "missing information letter" by e-mail or home address detailing the additional information needed to complete verification and/or complete your file.
All requested information must be provided to LaGrange College Financial Aid Office within 60 days of the notification date. If the requested documentation is unavailable at the time of the request, an extension can be granted, provided the Financial Aid Office receives a written request explaining the reason the documentation is not provided and an estimated date the information will be available. The data elements that normally must be verified are:
- Number of household members
- Number of household members enrolled at least half-time in college
- Adjusted Gross Income
- U.S. taxes paid
- Untaxed income
- Income earned from work
- Receipt of food stamps
- Child support paid.
If after completion of the verification process discrepancies are found, the Financial Aid Office will transmit the corrected information to the Central Processor. You will receive a revised Student Aid Report (SAR) reflecting the updated information. Once your file is complete, it will proceed to the packaging phase where an official award will be sent to you.
You can eliminate most of the information necessary to complete verification by taking advantage of the IRS Data Retrieval Tool Process.