Common questions about Verification

What is verification?

Verification is a process that the federal government requires schools to perform in order to verify that the information students provide on their FAFSA Application is accurate.

Why was I selected for verification?

The federal government randomly selects 30-35% of all students who submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for verification. Because the selection process is random, it is always a possibility that you may be selected for verification each year. You may also be selected if you provide conflicting information on the FAFSA. For example: If you mark that you have not yet received a bachelor’s degree, but then mark that you will be pursuing a graduate degree, you will be selected for verification.

What type of documentation is needed for verification?

If you are chosen for verification, you will be notified by email that you have been selected. The documentations needed to complete the verification process is located on BANNER WEB. Please do not send any documentation unless you have been notified to do so by our office.

If I am selected for verification, when will I be notified?

If you are chosen for verification, we will notify you within 10-15 business days of receiving your Student Aid Report from the federal processors.

What happens if I am selected for verification?

If you receive notification from the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid that you have been selected for verification, it is very important that you return the requested documentation to our office as soon as possible. After all documentation has been received by our office, processing usually takes 2-3 weeks; however, it may take up to 5 weeks during the peak processing season. Upon completion of verification, you will receive an Award Letter describing the type of aid you are eligible for.

How do I check BANNER WEB to see what documentation I need?

• Go to SPSU home page www.SPSU.edu
• Click the “Banner Web” link on the left side of the page
• Click “Login”
• Enter Student ID and PIN
• Your student ID can be found by clicking the "ID Lookup Form"
• Your PIN is originally set to your birthday MMDDYY, you should change your PIN immediately (but, please remember it)
• Click  “Student Services & Financial Aid”
• Click  “Financial Aid”
• Click  “My Eligibility”
• Click  “Student Requirements”
• Select  Aid Year “2006-2007”

Verification Forms

Legible faxed copies are accepted, however original documents are preferred.

These forms are viewed using Adobe Acrobat Reader (.pdf) unless specified otherwise.

2008-2009 Verification Forms

* Required by all students who are selected for verification for the 2008-2009 aid year

Dependent 2008-2009 Verification Worksheet
or
Independent 2008-2009 Verification Worksheet

Low Income Verif. for Independent Students with Dependents other than Spouse
Low Income Verif. for Independent Students
Low Income Verif. for Parents
Drug Worksheet
Post-secondary enrollment verification

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 for more information on obtaining Tax Return Transcripts

2007-2008 Verification Forms

* Required by all students who are selected for verification for the 2007-2008 aid year

2007-2008 Verification Worksheet in PDF Format

Low Income Verif. for Independent Students with Dependents other than Spouse
Low Income Verif. for Independent Students
Low Income Verif. for Parents
Drug Worksheet
Post-secondary enrollment verification