Home > Getting Started > FAFSA FAQs

What is FAFSA on the Web?

FAFSA on the Web is a U.S. Department of Education web site where students can complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online and submit it via the Internet at the following address: http://fafsa.ed.gov

FAFSA on the Web submits data directly to the U.S. Department of Education's Central Processing System (CPS). The CPS will process applications within 72 hours.

Because electronic signatures hold the same legal status as written signatures, students and parents of dependent students applying for aid may electronically sign their FAFSA on the Web by using their PIN (personal identification number). This will allow the student aid process to be completed entirely online.

How do I get a PIN?

The PIN serves as an identifier to allow students access to their personal information and various U.S. Department of Education systems. It is similar to the Personal Identification Number issued by banks, allowing access to personal accounts. The PIN serves as an electronic signature. It should not be shared with anyone!

You can apply for a PIN from within FAFSA on the Web or at the Federal Student Aid PIN Web site. After completing the PIN application, you must choose how you want your PIN delivered to you. The choices are to

• Create your own PIN
• Have a system-generated PIN instantly displayed online
• Have a system-generated PIN instantly sent in a secure link to your permanent e-mail address
• Have a system-generated PIN mailed to your permanent postal mailing address

Students and parents should each request their own PIN before completing the FAFSA so that both may electronically sign the application.

What will I need?

New applicants and parents will need to provide their name, social security number, date of birth, mailing address, email address (required to receive PIN via email)and a challenge question. This information will be submitted electronically to the CPS. When the submission has been successfully completed, a confirmation number will appear on the screen.

Your PIN is considered to be conditional until your information is verified with the Social Security Administration (SSA). You may sign a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with it, but nothing else. Once verification with the SSA is completed (1-3 days), you will be able to use your PIN to access your personal information on Federal Student Aid Web sites.

What else can I use my PIN for?

If the SSA confirms your information, the PIN is then valid for all its uses, which include:

• Access to your Student Aid Report online
• Access to your data to make corrections
• The option to pre-fill a FAFSA with demographic information from the previous year
• Access to your information on other Federal Student Aid Web sites, such as the National Student Loan Data System

What is the IRS Data Retrieval Tool?

Beginning at the end of January, 2011, FAFSA filers will have the option of securely transferring their 2010 financial data directly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) database to the online 2011-2012 FAFSA. This option will be available to those individuals whose 2010 federal tax return has been processed by the IRS at the time that they are completing their FAFSA. This tool is intended to save time and increase the accuracy of the information entered on the FAFSA. Please note that use of the IRS Data Retrieval Tool is not mandatory, and does not absolve the FAFSA filer from meeting UConn's March 1, 2011 application deadline to be considered on time.

For any questions about the PIN process, or for help completing the FAFSA, please contact the Federal Student Information Center at 1-800-433-3243, or visit their website at: http://fafsa.ed.gov

Click here to fill out your FAFSA online

If you are a first-time applicant, you must request a PIN