Important updates about Better FAFSA

The Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) has provided important updates about Better FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Due to improvements in the application process, the FAFSA and WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) are opening later than usual this year.

Prepare your students to apply for financial aid with the help of these important updates:

• FSA announced the FAFSA will be open “by December 31.” WSAC encourages educators and advocates to plan on December 31 as the opening date.

• FSA is considering the FAFSA opening a “soft launch,” which will allow them to monitor and respond in real time to any potential issues impacting the applicant experience.

• Students and families will have ample time to complete the 2024-25 FAFSA, and do not need to rush to fill out the form immediately when the soft launch period opens. FSA will not transmit results to schools until later in January.

• Colleges and training programs will notify students of financial aid awards later than usual.

• No changes or corrections to a FAFSA will be allowed until at least February. Encourage students to include a robust list of potential schools or training programs in their applications since the list cannot be readily updated.

• There is no demonstration site available this year; however, there is a 2024-25 FAFSA prototype to help students and families navigate potential scenarios.

WSAC is offering free virtual trainings and resources for school staff and other practitioners wanting to learn more about financial aid, including Better FAFSA (or “FAFSA Simplification”). Learn more and register now.

Resources

Who counts as a “contributor”?

The 2024-25 FAFSA requires that anyone who will contribute information to a FAFSA form have their own FSA account. Learn more about who is considered a contributor:

• Who is a contributor on the 2024-25 FAFSA form? (video).

• Is my parent a contributor when I fill out my FAFSA form? (infographic).

Better FAFSA flyers and social media materials

Educators and advocates can conveniently email or print flyers for students and families and help spread the word. Flyers are available in English and Spanish.

• Find all flyers online.

• See all social media materials.

Washington Student Achievement Council

P.O. Box 43430
Olympia, WA 98502
collegebound@wsac.wa.gov
888.535.0747