FAFSA Simplification Act

• A more streamlined application process
• Expanded eligibility for federal student aid
• Reduced barriers for certain student populations (e.g., homeless and unaccompanied youth, incarcerated students, English language learners, and students from low-income backgrounds)
• Better user experience for the FAFSA form.
• Enhanced data sharing with IRS to simplify the applicant’s experience

• The 2024-2025 FAFSA will be available later in December 2023. The exact date to be announced.
• Streamline the application process by reducing the number of questions on the FAFSA and making it easier to transfer tax information directly from the IRS.
  • List up to 20 colleges on your FAFSA.
  • 2024-2025 FAFSA will be available in 11 languages.
• Replacing Expected Family Contribution (EFC) with the Student Aid Index (SAI). The SAI is calculated and used to determine your ability to pay for college and aid eligibility. There will be changes in the methodology used to determine aid.
  • Child support received will count as asset.
  • Family farms and businesses will count as asset.
  • The number of family members in college will no longer be considered in the need analysis formula.
  • Allows a minimum SAI of -1500.
  • Males between 18-25 years of age will no longer be required to be registered with Selective Service to receive federal financial aid.
• New terminology being used in the financial aid eligibility process.

• The FAFSA still must be filled out annually for federal aid consideration. It is available to U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.
• Questions introduced in 2023-24 about the applicant’s sex, race, and ethnicity remain only for statistical purposes. They have no effect on federal student aid eligibility.
• Dependency status questions to determine if your parents must provide their information remain the same.
• FAFSA will still request prior-prior year tax information.

FAFSA Simplification Act