Julia Guerrero EDINBURG– Are you a college student and planning on applying for the 2024-2025 federal financial aid? There are new changes that may affect you.
New changes to the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as FAFSA, could make a big difference in how students apply and receive financial assistance.
The FAFSA Simplification Act passed in 2020, brings changes to the application and delays it from early October to sometime in December. While the changes may have students concerned, Roman Silva, Financial Aid Assistant Director said the delay is a good situation.
“There are a lot of benefits that are coming as a result of these changes,” Silva said. “It’s really just a pause to get everything solidified and complete for them to have a good user experience.”
Silva said some of the changes to the application include condensing the roughly 100 questions to less than half, making it easier for students and families to fill out.
Vicente Gonzalez, Texas District 34 U.S. Representative, who voted in favor of the act said applicants will now be required to report small businesses and family farm values.
Gonzalez added the Pell Grant eligibility will now be extended to more students.
“Students whose families make less than 175 percent and single parents who make less than 225 percent of the federal poverty level will receive the maximum federal Pell Grant,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez emphasized that in exchange for simplified questions on the application, families are required to authorize the Department of Education to retrieve federal tax information directly from the IRS without that, the application would not be processed.
“You must note, you cannot object to that,” Gonzalez said. “You must allow them and concede them the authority to be able to communicate directly with the IRS and Treasury.”
Silva and the financial aid department encouraged students to be proactive and make sure they have a username and password to log onto the student aid website.
To create your FSA ID or for more information on the FAFSA Simplification Act, visit studentaid.gov.
