What does it mean to be selected for Verification
Dependency Status
Verification FAQ’s
Verification Priority Dates
Verification Printable Forms
Information for Families Affected by Current Economic Uncertainties
What is Verification
Under the Federal Law 34CFR, Part 668, the US Department of Education requires that each year colleges verify at least 30% of its students’ FAFSA’s. This process is called “verification.” Almost all of the “verifications” are randomly selected by the US Department of Education. Trident Technical College may also select FAFSA’s for review and occasionally does so. All selected students are notified about the “verification” process through their Campus Cruiser Account. No financial aid funds can be disbursed to your student account in the Business Office, to the Bookstore, or to you, until the verification process has been completed.
Dependency Status
What makes me a Dependent student?
A dependent student is a student that is the age of 23 and under. The US Department does not recognize students that file their own taxes or who have been self supportive as an independent student.
What makes me an Independent student?
If you answered yes to one of the following questions on the FAFSA under section 2 Student Dependency Status ………
You are independent if you are 24 years or old, or
You are married, or
You will be beginning a Master’s or Doctorate program during the 2009-2010 school year, or
You have children that you are providing more than half of financial support, or
You have other depends, other than children or spouse, who live with you and you provide more than half of financial support, or
You are a Veteran of the Armed Forces, or
You are currently serving on active duty in the Armed Forces for purposes other than training, or
You are an orphan ward of the court, or
You have been in legal guardianship determined by the court, or
You are/were an emancipated minor determined by the court
Verification FAQ’s
What do I have to submit to begin the verification process?
You must submit a completed 2009-2010 Verification Worksheet, a signed copy of a complete 2008 Federal Tax Return, including all schedules (Schedule C and K, if you have a Business), and W-2 forms.
Note: If you are a dependent student, you must submit tax returns for you, if you filed, and for your parents. If you are married and you and your spouse filed separately, you must submit a copy of your spouse’s tax returns.
What if I don’t have a copy of my tax returns?
If you, your parents or your spouse do not have a copy of your 2008 tax return, you may request a free of charge IRS Form 4506-T Request for Transcript of Tax Return and W-2 Transcript, by calling 1-800-829-1040.
What if I am not required to file taxes, what do I have to submit?
If you, your parents or your spouse worked but were not required to file, you must submit a copy of your W-2 Forms.
If you, your parents or your spouse received Disability, Unemployment, Worker’s Compensation, Retirement Pension, Child Support or any other untaxed income, you must submit a copy of the statement and/or a Monthly Income Expenses Form.
Note: Students and/or parents who are receiving financial support from family and/or friends will need to submit a Monthly Income Expenses Form and a written statement as to whom is providing the assistance and the value of the support per month.
Once I have submitted my verification forms, how long does it take to process?
All completed verification forms are processed in the order received. During non-peak season, the verification processing time is estimated at two weeks. During peak season, the verification processing time may vary according to the volume of records. The Financial Aid Office will contact you via Campus Cruiser if you need to provide additional documentation and/or once your verification forms have been processed and completed.
Priority Dates
Is there a deadline for the Verification Process?
There are no deadlines, but there are priority dates for each term.
Fall semester 2009 July 10, 2009
Spring semester 2010 November 30, 2009
Summer semester 2010 April 16, 2010
What happens if, I don’t submit my verification documents by the deadline?
Even if you receive the verification notification close to, or after, the scheduled priority date, you must still complete the verification process. If you submit the worksheet and signed tax returns, W-2 forms and/or untaxed income statements after the scheduled semester priority date, you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, books, and supplies on your own at the start of the semester and then be reimbursed any eligible financial aid once you are “verified.” All students submitting their verification form after the priority date must sign the late submittal clause. This clause indicates that you are aware of the priority dates and that you are submitting your form after the priority date. The clause will only protect the student from being purged.
Printable Forms
2009-2010 Verification Worksheet
Student Monthly Income Expense Sheet
Parent Monthly Income Expense Sheet
Information for Families Affected by Current Economic Uncertainties
The recent downturn in the U.S. economy has likely presented you with unanticipated questions and possibly with unexpected financial challenges. If you have concerns about financial assistance for the balance of the current academic year or for 2009-10, you may be assured that the College’s Financial Aid/Veterans Assistance office is working diligently to avoid any interruption to the availability and flow of financial aid. We will continue to do our best to provide excellent information, assistance, and service. Families whose financial situations have changed dramatically since filing their FAFSA earlier this year may now be eligible for resources for which they didn’t qualify based on earlier application information. Contact our office about these dramatic changes.
What do I need to complete this process?
• Print the Special Circumstances Review Application, which is available online at http://www.tridenttech.edu/Special_Circumstance_Rev.pdf
• Provide a personal statement outlining your unusual expenses (e.g., medical, dental, legal, dependent care, education or personal expenses) or circumstances (e.g., unemployment, reduction of income or divorce). Provide specific dates when you incurred and paid these expenses or when the unusual events occurred.
• Submit documentation in support of these expenses that show that you have paid or are paying them. Include the creditor(s)’ addresses and phone numbers for the committee’s use in following up. Likewise, submit documentation in support of your unemployment or reduced income circumstances, including any unemployment compensation you are receiving.
• Submit a copy of your most recent income tax return, including all W-2 statements.
