Over the last decade, the Department of Education has made attempts to reduce financial aid verification rates. But despite the attempts to ease the burden, a complex web of promised solutions and new requirements has resulted in little to no change in verification rates, creating a troubling situation for both students and schools.
Financial aid administrators know all too well how easily the verification process can derail students who otherwise would receive the financial aid needed to pursue their college dreams. Not only can it impose an undue burden on students who have already overcome incredible obstacles, but it also creates more work for aid administrators, taking their valuable time away from the people who matter most: their students.
This flowchart, which outlines the sort of "one step forward, two steps back" pattern that the financial aid community has come to know with regard to verification, will be used to help with advocacy efforts related to verification, and ultimately, FAFSA simplification.
Publication Date: 9/28/2020
Verification 2027-28 (Extended Edition)
New Aid Officer Training Webinar Series 2026-2027
New Aid Officer Training Webinar Series 2026-2027: New Aid Officer Training Webinar Series 2026-2027
FAFSA Simplification Web Center
2025-26 NASFAA Game Show: Jeopardy Webinar Q&A
Off the Cuff - Episode 366 Transcript
Is Action Required For Comment Code 355 Related To Identity Fraud Detection? (Award Year: 2026-27>)
NASFAA Endorses Protecting Student Privacy Act
What Action Is Required For Comment Code 353 Related To Identity Screening? (Award Year: 2026-27>)
Does Comment Code 360 Require Resolution? (Award Year: 2026-27>)
When Do We Report V4 Or V5 Identity Verification Results?
Legislative Tracker: FAFSA Simplification
Prison Education Programs: 2025-26 Verification Reference Sheet
CRL: Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Determination Form Sample
Off the Cuff - Episode 352 Transcript
OTC AskRegs Experts: Understanding Student Marital Status Changes
Webinar FAQ: Verification 2026-27 Extended Edition
Verification: 2026-27 (Extended Edition)
Webinar Handout: Verification: 2026-27 (Extended Edition
What Is the Verification Document Submission Deadline For 2025-26? (Award Year: 2025-26)
Can the School Still Require the Statement Of Educational Purpose? (Award Year: 2026-27>)
Is a Stamped Notary Signature Acceptable When Verifying the Student's Identity?
Is the Student's Signature Required When Verifying Identity?
When Were the 2026-27 Verification Requirements Published?
2026-27 FAFSA Update Webinar Transcript
FAQ: 2026-27 FAFSA Update Webinar
2026-27 FAFSA Update Webinar Handout
Is an Original Wet Signature Required When Using a Notary Public To Verify Identity?
2025 New Aid Officer Training Series: Verification Handout
2025-26 New Aid Officer Training - Application Processing Handout
Is Verification Required When a Student Declines All Title IV Funds?
New Aid Officer Training Webinar Series 2025-2026
New Aid Officer Training Webinar Series 2025-2026: New Aid Officer Training Webinar Series 2025-2026
For the Video Call Option, Can the ID Be Delivered To the Financial Aid Office Electronically?
What Does It Mean To Determine With Certainty That the Student Falsified Their Identity?
Off the Cuff - Episode 336 Transcript
What Are the Income Thresholds For Filing a 2024 U.S. Tax Return? (Award Year: 2026-27)
What Are the Income Thresholds For Filing a 2023 U.S. Tax Return? (Award Year: 2025-26)
Is a Temporary Driver's License Acceptable For Identity Verification?
Is Identity Verification Required For All First-Time FAFSA Applicants?
