Verification

Financial Aid

To ensure that the information provided by students and parents on the FAFSA is accurate, the U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to verify financial and other demographic information. Verification of FAFSA data helps colleges and universities accurately and fairly determine the types and amounts of federal, state, and institutional aid students receive. About one-third of FAFSAs are selected for verification each year. 

If you receive notification that you have been selected for the verification process, you have done nothing wrong! In order to receive your aid offer, we strongly encourage you to complete and submit all required documentation within 60 days. Students must complete the verification process by the stated deadline. 

How do I know if I’ve been selected for financial aid verification? 

If your FAFSA has been selected for verification, we will reach out to you requesting any required documents. Check your email and the Self-Service portal regularly for verification-related requests.   

Your FAFSA Submission Summary is a summary of the information you reported on the FAFSA, and it can tell you if you’ve been selected for verification. If you see a red exclamation mark on the next steps tab, check to see if it lists being selected for verification. If verification is listed, keep an eye out for communications from our office about next steps in the process.  

 

My FAFSA Submission Summary doesn’t state I am selected for verification, but you have requested documents. 

For some aid programs, including those from the state of Illinois and the College, documentation is required that is separate from the federal verification process. We will notify you in the same manner as federal verification.  
 

What Now? 

  1. Gather documentation
    • Some of the documentation you may need to provide in the verification process for you and your contributors (if applicable) are:  
      • Tax transcripts or signed tax returns showing income information filed with the IRS. Tax transcripts can be ordered by mail for free at the IRS website.  
      • W-2 forms or other documents showing money earned from work.  
      • Citizenship or immigration documentation, such as your U.S. passport or Permanent Resident card (also known as a green card).  
      • Illinois Residency documentation may include an Illinois driver’s license or state ID or full-year transcripts from the prior academic year.  
  2. Submit documentation
    • The best way to submit documentation is through our Self-Service student portal. This allows documents with personal identifiable information to be protected.  

List of possible documentation to submit:

Illinois Residency Verification - One of the following documents with a date of issuance prior to the start date of the fall semester of each academic year.   

  • Illinois Driver’s License   
  • Utility or rent bills in student name   
  • Illinois high school or college transcript showing attendance for COMPLETE prior academic year   
  • Illinois Auto Registration card   
  • Residential lease in student’s name    
  • Wage and tax statements for the calendar year required on the FAFSA with an Illinois address   
  • Illinois Identification Card issued by the Illinois Secretary of State   
  • Statement of benefits history from the Illinois Department of Public Aid   
  • Statement of benefits history from the Illinois Department of Employment Security   
  • Valid state of federal income tax return for calendar year required on the FAFSA   
  • Statement of benefits from the Social Security Administration for calendar year required to be reported on the FAFSA   
  • Illinois voters registration card   
  • Property tax bill   

Citizenship  

  • Copy of US Passport   
  • Certificate of Naturalization   
  • Consular Birth Abroad   

Unusual Enrollment   

  • Copy of academic transcripts for the prior 4 academic years  

 

Dependency Documents

  • Veteran Status  
    • Copy of DD214 showing discharge other than dishonorable  
  • Active-Duty Status 
    • Documentation showing active duty   
  • Dependents supporting greater than 50% support  
    • Proof of Support to Verify Independent Status Form  
  • Orphan 
    • Copy of parent’s death certificate 
  • Ward of the Court  
    • Court documentation showing status 
  • Foster Care  
    • Documentation showing student in foster care 
  • Emancipated Minor 
    • Court documentation showing declared an emancipated minor 
  • Legal Guardianship  
    • Court documentation that student was placed in a legal guardianship 
  • Homelessness/Risk of Homelessness – Provide one of the following:   
    • HS Liaison Officer designation  
    • Statement from director/designee of shelter, homeless drop-in center or other program serving those experiencing homelessness 
    • Documented meeting with Financial Aid team member  
       

What happens if I don’t complete FAFSA verification process? 

The College can withhold your financial aid until you’ve completed the verification process. To avoid any delays in your financial aid, submit the information requested as soon as possible.  We request that you submit any required documentation within 60 days from the request.  

 

Still have questions about FAFSA verification? 

 Please reach out to our office for any questions or concerns at finaid@noctrl.edu.