Legislative Tracker: FAFSA Simplification
On this page, you'll find proposals to streamline or modify the federal financial aid application process.
S.4365 — FAFSA Verification Efficiency Act
Sponsor: Sen. Tuberville [R-AL]
Introduced: 04/21/2026
NASFAA Summary: This bill would require the Department of Education, in coordination with the Social Security Administration, to verify the Social Security number and citizenship status of all individuals whose information is provided for purposes of federal student aid. This verification would apply across key provisions of the aid process, including FAFSA submissions and eligibility determinations.
H.R.7892 — No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026
Sponsor: Rep. Owens [R-UT]
Introduced: 03/12/2026
NASFAA Summary: This bill would use an identity fraud detection system to screen every FAFSA submission for potential identity fraud, beginning October 1, 2026. If an application is flagged, the Department must notify both the applicant and any listed institutions and require additional identity verification before disbursing aid. Institutions would be prohibited from disbursing Title IV aid to flagged applicants unless they verify the student’s identity through in-person or live audiovisual methods, notify the Department of that verification, and maintain records.
H.R.7893 — FAFSA Verification Efficiency Act
Sponsor: Rep. Walberg [R-MI]
Introduced: 03/12/2026
NASFAA Summary: This bill would require the Department of Education, in coordination with the Social Security Administration, to verify the Social Security number and citizenship status of all individuals whose information is provided for purposes of federal student aid. This verification would apply across key provisions of the aid process, including FAFSA submissions and eligibility determinations.
H.R.2521 — American Family FAFSA Opportunity Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Smith [R-NJ]
Introduced: 03/31/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would restore the practice of dividing the Student Aid Index by the number of children in a family who are enrolled at least half-time in eligible higher education programs. The amendment would apply starting with the 2025–2026 award year.
H.R.1131/S.469 — Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act
Sponsor: Rep. Mann [R-KS]/Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
Introduced: 02/06/2025
NASFAA Summary & Analysis: This bill would restore the exemption of family farms and small businesses from the definition of assets when completing the FAFSA.
Legislative Tracker Overview | Archive: FAFSA Simplification
Publication Date: 4/21/2026
