2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®): What You Need to Know:  

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    January 12, 2024 | 12:23 PM

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®): What You Need to Know:  

There are major changes to the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) form. The new FAFSA form is now available.   

On average, it takes about 30 minutes to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be completed online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.  

The 2024–25 FAFSA form will expand eligibility for federal student aid.   

What You Can Do Now:  

•   Watch the “2024–25 FAFSA FAQs” playlist to better for a look at what has changed on the new form.   
•   Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator to get an estimate of what your aid could be once the FAFSA is completed.   

•   If you did not submit a 2023–24 FAFSA form, make sure to create your StudentAid.gov account—and remember your username and password so you can access and submit the 2024–25 FAFSA form when it’s available.   

•  Find out if your parent(s) or spouse will need to be contributors (contribute their info on your FAFSA form).   
•   If your parent(s) or spouse will need to contribute to your form, make sure each contributor creates their own StudentAid.gov account.   
•   Watch our “Preparing for the FAFSA Form” to better understand what information and documents you’ll need to complete the FAFSA form.   

2024–25 FAFSA^® Deadlines:  

Federal Deadlines:  

The FAFSA form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central time (CT) on June 30, 2025. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 14, 2025.   

Challege and Career/Trade School Deadlines:   

Each college and career/trade school may have its own deadline. Check with the school you’re interested in attending.   

State Deadlines:

Each state has its own deadline. See the listing here:   

https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/fafsa-deadlines  

Keeping Your Information Safe- How to avoid student loan scams:  
 
Unfortunately, scammers are preying on students by offering false services. Student loan "debt relief" companies claim to provide loan management services for a fee. Often they will also falsely claim to be affiliated with the Department of Education. 
 
It is important to remember that the Department of Education and federal loan servicers never charge fees to assist students with their loans. If you’re asked to pay up-front costs or a maintenance fee, you are not dealing with the department and should not share your information. Instead, contact the Federal Trade Commission immediately. 
 
If you believe that you may have already shared information or paid one of these student loan debt relief companies, here is what you can do to remedy the situation: 
 
•Log in and change your FSA ID 
•Contact your federal loan servicer  
•File a complaint with the FTC 
•File a report of suspicious activity through the FSA Feedback System

Identity Theft:

Identity theft has become prevalent in our society.  Below are some steps that you can take to protect yourself as you begin the process of applying for federal student aid: 

• Apply for aid by filling out the FAFSA at fafsa.gov, and close the browser when complete  

• Never give personal information over the phone or Internet, or share your PIN  

• Keep receipts and documents in a safe place, and shred them when you are finished   

• Immediately report all lost or stolen identification   

• Keep your computer up to date with antivirus protections 

It is important to note that information shared via the fafsa.gov website is secure.  If you suspect that your information has been stolen, act quickly. Contact the credit reporting agencies and put a freeze put on your account.  The following federal websites offer information on reporting and repairing identity theft: 

• U.S. Department of Education (ED) at www.ed.gov/misused    

• Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/idtheft   

• Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html    

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/1243/what-identity -theft.html   

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