#CollegeBound: Filing Your FAFSA - The FSA ID

Thursday, February 11, 2016

All Student Tips

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Filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) provides each high school senior and college student the opportunity to receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, work study, and federal student loans.

The FSA ID | Image source: Shutterstock.com / Photographer: Monkey Business Images

Previously, students and parents needed to obtain a FAFSA PIN number before filing the FAFSA. The PIN number is now being improved and replaced with the FSA ID. Here's why.

What are the benefits of the FSA ID over the old PIN system?

This new ID is better for students and parents for multiple reasons:
More secure info. Your social security number and date of birth is removed from logging-in.
Updating personal information is easier.
Retrieving your username and password is faster.

What does the FSA ID do for me?

Simplifies applying for federal student loans and accessing related repayment info.
Direct access to the following helpful U.S. Department of Education sites:
- FAFSA on the Web to apply for financial aid.
- StudentAid.gov to view your loans and grants and learn about repayment options.
- StudentLoans.gov to apply for income-driven repayment plans or to refinance a loan.
- Agreement to Serve to manage your TEACH Grant.

How do I get the FSA ID?

You can apply for your FSA ID here.
If you currently have a PIN, you can link it to your FSA ID.

With the new FSA ID system, filing the FAFSA is more secure and easier to navigate. To begin filing your FAFSA to receive financial aid, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov or RSVP to a 3Rivers FAFSA Friday Open House.

Questions about college funding? Contact our College Funding Analyst, Eric Hoover at 260.490.8328 x8230!