Saturday, June 3, 2017

Important FASFA Information For Graduated Seniors and Rising Seniors


IRS Data Retrieval Tool status


In March, the IRS disabled the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) following concerns that identity thieves could use data from the tool to file fraudulent tax returns. Extra security and privacy protections have been added to the IRS DRT.

On June 2, the IRS DRT became available for use on the Electronic Income-Driven Repayment Plan Request. Note that transferred data will not be visible to borrowers on the IRS DRT website or on the Electronic Income-Driven Repayment Plan Request.
The IRS DRT will be available on Oct. 1, 2017, to use on the 2018–19 FAFSA form on fafsa.gov.
The IRS DRT will not return for the 2017–18 FAFSA form.
Further details about the IRS DRT outage are at StudentAid.gov/irsdrt-outage.



Verification changes for the 2016–17 and 2017–18 FAFSA® information

In response to concerns about the impact of the suspension of the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) on students and families who have been selected for verification of their FAFSA® information, we have provided colleges with flexibilities they may choose to use as part of their verification procedures. These flexibilities begin immediately and apply to both the 2016–17 and 2017–18 FAFSA processing and verification cycles.

If you are assisting students who have been selected for verification, you can read Changes to 2016-17 and 2017-18 Verification Requirements on our Information for Financial Aid Professionals website to find details about the updated guidance to colleges.


FSA ID enhancements—thanks to your feedback

On May 14, we implemented several enhancements to improve the FSA ID experience. Users can now request that a secure code be texted to their verified mobile phone number to reset their password, retrieve their username, or unlock their account. Users can still use the existing account recovery methods (i.e., requesting that a secure code be emailed or providing answers to the challenge questions). In addition, the “significant date” challenge question is now optional.

Find more details about the FSA ID enhancements on the Financial Aid Toolkit website. And remember: Send your students to StudentAid.gov/fsaid for FSA ID information.

We recommend that you encourage students and parents to create their own FSA ID over the summer. Try this resource: Creating and Using the FSA ID fact sheet—it explains what an FSA ID is, how to get one, and where it can be used. Plus, it includes tips for using an FSA ID.



Federal Student Aid
U.S. Dept of Education
801 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002