How to apply for aid

Following are the basic steps in the process of applying for financial aid

Start by completing the FAFSA


FastWeb has prepared a short and entertaining five-minute introduction to the FAFSA. The video can be seen at
http://www.finaid.org/fafsa/video.phtml.


UCR Federal School Code = 001316

To be considered for federal, state, or institutional financial aid, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid . You can submit the FAFSA starting January 1.

The fastest, easiest, and most convenient way to file a FAFSA is to apply on line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. To assist in completing the FAFSA online you may wish to use the FASFA on the Web Worksheet. If you are unable to complete the FAFSA on the Web you may call 800-4FED-AID and request a paper application be sent to you. You may also download a PDF copy of the FAFSA from the Federal Student Aid web site.  You should get a Certificate of Mailing from the U.S. Postal Service if you mail your FAFSA.

In January, the Department of Education begins sending Renewal Reminder notifications to continuing UCR students who submitted a 2007-08 FAFSA, regarding the procedure to file a Renewal FAFSA for 2008-09. You can access your Pre-filled Renewal FAFSA online. Be sure to keep your e-mail address (or mailing address) current with the federal processor so that you will receive your Renewal Reminder well before the FAFSA filing deadline.




Step 1. Collect your financial information:
You will need the following information to complete your FAFSA:

  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your parents’ Social Security numbers, if you are dependent
  • Your Alien Registration Number, if you are not a U.S. citizen
  • Your PIN number and a parent’s PIN number, if you are dependent
  • Your 2007 federal income tax return, and your parents’ 2007 federal income tax return, if you are dependent
  • Current bank statements and investment records
  • Untaxed income records for 2007 (Social Security benefits, welfare benefits, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or General Assistance, or veterans benefits)

Step 2. Get a PIN number (personal identification number)

If you don’t already have a PIN number, you can now apply for one online when you submit your FAFSA. You will need a PIN to electronically sign your FAFSA. Your parents can also request a PIN number at the same time. Your PIN number will display to you in real time on the FAFSA on the Web screen, and you can use it to electronically sign your FAFSA. You can also request that your PIN number be sent to you via e-mail or mailed to your postal address if you prefer.  

You may request a duplicate PIN number or change your PIN number on line at www.pin.ed.gov. Your PIN number may be used to access, complete, and submit your 2008-09 FAFSA electronically. You can also use it to make corrections or updates to your FAFSA and to print a copy of your Student Aid Report Information Acknowledgment after your application has been processed.




Step 3. Complete the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet.

The FAFSA on the Web Worksheet is available on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You may also obtain it from your high school or from the Financial Aid Office. By completing this worksheet ahead of time, you will have all of your information ready when you are ready to file your FAFSA. Use the documents you have collected (tax returns or W-2 forms, asset information, bank statements, records of untaxed income, etc.) to assist you in completing the form.




Step 4. Complete the FAFSA.
Follow the on-screen instructions to fill out the FAFSA. Once your have completed your application, review your answers carefully and make any corrections if necessary before submitting your FAFSA. If you are a dependent student, be sure both you and your parent sign your FAFSA to avoid processing delays! You can sign electronically with your PIN number, print out a paper signature page to sign and mail in, or wait for a signature page to arrive in the mail if you do not have a printer. Using a PIN number to sign electronically is the fastest, and will avoid delays in processing your financial aid application.

The deadline to submit your FAFSA is March 3, 2008 in order to be considered for the maximum amount of financial aid available. Do NOT wait to file until after a tax return has been filed: It’s easier to complete your FAFSA if you have already filed your federal tax return. But if you haven’t, it is more important to use estimates from last year’s tax return and update them later rather than miss a deadline.

Important Dates for 2008-09 Academic Year