WHEN TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

For the 2009-10 school year, you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1, 2009. The best time to apply is by April 1, 2009 (for the 2009-2010 school year). You can complete the FAFSA at any time during the school year, but keep in mind there are deadlines that may eliminate you from eligibility for certain grants and scholarships.

Financial Aid from the U.S. Department of Education

Tell your friends! The official FAFSA is at www.FAFSA.ed.gov – not at a .com Web site. If you go to a .com site, you will probably be asked to pay to submit the FAFSA. Remember, the first F in "FAFSA" stands for "free" – so use the official government site to submit your application.
Completing the FAFSA, an introductory publication for students, provides instructions on how to complete the online or paper version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Completing the FAFSA, 2009-2010, is for the award year that runs from July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010. This version is available in both English and Spanish.

You can also download Completing the FAFSA, 2009-2010, in PDF format in English and Spanish.

In addition, to assist you in completing the income section of the 2009-2010 FAFSA, see Quick Reference for 2009-2010 FAFSA Line Item and Puerto Rican Tax Return. You'll find the specific tax line references for both the 2008 U.S. Tax Return and the Puerto Rican Return.
If you have any questions, or require additional information on student financial assistance, you should contact your high school guidance counselor if you are currently in high school, the financial aid administrator at the postsecondary school you plan to attend, or the Federal Student Aid Information Center.