The definition of Verification from studentaid.gov website:
Verification is the process your school uses to confirm that the data reported on your FAFSA form is accurate. If you're selected for verification, your school will request additional documentation that supports the information you reported. Don't assume you're being accused of doing anything wrong.
Some of those documents could include:
1. Verification forms
2. Copy of 2019 taxes (students and parents)
3. Copy of 2019 W2s
The schools will let you know exactly what you need to send in to them. If you are selected for verification, get those documents in as quickly as possible. Failure to return the documents in a timely manner could result in a loss of financial aid.
Most schools will notify HS Senior families through the mail but may also notify them through email. If you are unsure if you have been selected for verification, contact your school(s) directly.
Good news, less students are getting selected for verification now than in the past. But there are still students getting selected who don’t follow up getting the documents to schools and missing out on financial aid. We don’t want any of those students to be you.
Most colleges and universities will start sending out Financial Aid Offers in February if they have not already. Typically, colleges and universities will not send out the Financial Aid Offer to a student who has been selected for verification and not sent back the required documents.
If you need help with answering Verification questions feel free to contact us at ICAN- 877-272-4692 or the colleges/universities directly. Last point to reiterate, if you are selected for verification, it does NOT mean you did anything wrong. Just a check/balance that FSA has colleges/universities do with some FAFSA filers. Nothing to worry about but you need to get the documents requested in asap to the colleges/universities.
Erick - ICAN Ankeny Center