The FAFSA/WASFA are great tools for streamlining the financial aid process, but they don’t always capture your specific situation well. Maybe you don’t have contact with your parents, your family ran into financial hardships after you filled out the form, your parents are not willing/able to contribute to your education, etc. – talk to the financial aid office at your school! Your financial aid office will be able to offer you advice specific to your situation and help you find additional financial resources.

Even if your parents do not claim you as a dependent on their taxes, you may still be considered a dependent student.

To see determine if you are a dependent or independent student, check here.

You can fill out the FAFSA and see priority deadlines for Washington here. Before filling out the FAFSA, the Department of Education suggests that you have the following documents with you:

• Your Social Security number
• Your driver’s license number (if you have one)
• Your Alien Registration number (if you aren’t a U.S. citizen)
• Federal tax information or tax returns
• Records of untaxed income (child support, interest income, veterans noneducation benefits, etc.)
• Information on cash; savings and checking account balances; investments; and other assets
• If you are a dependent student, you will also need the above information for your parent(s)

If you are looking to fill out the WASFA, that can be done here. Before completing the WASFA, the Washington Student Achievement Council recommends gathering the following:

• Income Information: bank statements, W-2 forms, pay stubs, and/or federal income tax returns
• Other Financial Information: child support statements, TANF or welfare information, real estate, stocks, bonds, other investments, and/or information on a family business or farm.
• Your Social Security number or I-797 Form (optional)
• If you are a dependent student, you will also need the above information for your parent(s)

Completing the FAFSA/WASFA is necessary to be considered for student loans, grants, work-study, and certain scholarships or other funding.

• Most students qualify for some form of aid (even if your family makes $250,000 per year, you probably still qualify for something)
• Some scholarships require you have a FAFSA/WASFA on file
• If something happens and your household’s financial situation changes, your school’s Financial Aid office can help you make changes to the FAFSA/WASFA you have on file
• You will have the opportunity to accept or reject any available aid before receiving it

The FAFSA/WASFA should be easy and fast to complete. However, it can also be confusing, so in case you get stuck, ask your school for help completing the FAFSA or WASFA. Many schools offer financial aid counselors that can assist you and your family. Don’t miss out on the chance to get additional funding for your education!

The WASFA is for students who don’t have access to federal funding because of their immigration status (includes undocumented students). All other current and prospective students should fill out the FAFSA.