C Flag Resolution WVASFAA Spring Conference 2011 Damia Dobbs West Virginia University Thursday, April 21, 2011

What is a C Flag? Codes and field values are triggered by the Central Processing Service (CPS) when database match results require resolution by the school. C Flags are printed on the ISIR/SAR next to the EFC Codes and field values are triggered by the Central Processing Service (CPS) when database match results require resolution by the school. C Flags are printed on the ISIR/SAR next to the EFC

What is a C Flag?  The match can generate a “C” code to indicate a problem  The C Flag must be resolved before financial aid can be disbursed  As the school we are required to collect adequate documentation or correct the ISIR to resolve this C Flag  CPS conducts matches with federal databases

CPS Database Matches  Social Security Administration  Department of Homeland Security  Selective Service  National Student Loan Data System  Department of Veteran Affairs

Social Security Administration Verifies the SSN of the student and the student’s parent(s)  Makes sure it is the correct number, matches the name and date of birth, and does not belong to a deceased person  Verifies U.S. citizenship of the student

Department of Homeland Security Verifies a student’s eligible noncitizen status using both automated primary and secondary confirmation processes

Selective Service System (SSS) Verifies registration of eligible males with the Selective Service

National Student Loan Data System  Identifies students with a default  Identifies students with overpayment/potential overpayment status (Pell, FSEOG, Perkins, and TEACH)  Confirms student’s eligibility for Title IV funds  Ensures aggregate/annual award limits are not exceeded

Department of Veteran Affairs Verifies veteran status, if student has indicated they are a veteran on the FAFSA

Comment Codes: Social Security Administration Definition Comment The Social Security Administration did not confirm that you are a U.S. citizen

Comment Codes: Social Security Administration Resolution Comment 146 – If a U.S. citizen, student should provide birth certificate, passport, or other documents to prove citizenship - If an eligible noncitizen, student should correct questions 14 and 15, providing a valid Alien Registration Number

Comment Codes: Social Security Administration Definition Comment 63 - The student’s date of birth reported on FAFSA does not match the date of birth in the Social Security Administration’s records -Either the date of birth or the SSN is incorrect

Comment Codes: Social Security Administration Resolution Comment 63 - Student has submitted a correction to verify his/her date of birth, but the SSA records remain unchanged - Student must provide proof of date of birth to the school

Comment Codes: Social Security Administration Definition Comment 64 - The name reported on the FAFSA does not match the name in the Social Security Administrations records

Comment Codes: Social Security Administration Resolution Comment 64 - Student has submitted a correction to verify his/her name, but the SSA records remain unchanged - Student must provide documentation explaining the discrepancy in name (marriage certificate, court order, ect.)

Comment Codes: Department of Homeland Security Definition Comment Department of Homeland Security has not yet confirmed the student’s status as an eligible noncitizen

Comment Codes: Department of Homeland Security Resolution Comment View match flag on Secondary Confirmation when received -Secondary confirmation will automatically be conducted by DHS on applicants not matching during primary confirmation - Results will determine subsequent steps to follow

Comment Codes: Department of Homeland Security Definition Comment The student either changed their response to citizenship or the Alien Registration Number that was verified with the Department of Homeland Security

Comment Codes: Department of Homeland Security Resolution Comment Determine why citizenship status was changed - Resolve any conflicting documentation - Proof of citizenship may be needed from student

Comment Codes: Department of Homeland Security Definition Comment 142 -The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services of the Department of Homeland Security could not confirm that the student is a noncitizen in an immigration status associated with the requirements of eligibility for financial aid

Comment Codes: Department of Homeland Security Resolution Comment If an incorrect Alien Registration Number was provided by the student, or no number was provided at all, the student should make corrections to the SAR/ISIR and resubmit for processing

Comment Codes: Department of Homeland Security Definition Comment 46 - Department of Homeland Security did not confirm eligibility during secondary confirmation of eligible noncitizen status

Comment Codes: Department of Homeland Security Resolution Comment 46 - Begin the paper Secondary Confirmation process using the G Student must provide school with documentation to submit with G DHS will notify school of status of submitted documentation

Comment Codes: Department of Homeland Security Definition Comment Department of Homeland Security secondary confirmation match in in continuance

Comment Codes: Department of Homeland Security Resolution Comment A system generated ISIR will be processed within 10 business days - Schools should, but are not required to wait for this ISIR before starting the paper Secondary Confirmation process

Comment Codes: Department of Homeland Security Definition Comment Department of Homeland Security did not confirm the noncitizen eligibility status because additional information is needed

Comment Codes: Department of Homeland Security Resolution Comment Paper Secondary Confirmation using the G-845 if required

Comment Codes: Selective Service Definition Comment 30 The Selective Service reported that the student has not registered with them

Comment Codes: Selective Service Resolution Comment 30 - Student must register - Must provide confirmation or be eligible for waiver or exemption

Comment Codes: Selective Service Definition Comment 33 The student’s name could not be sent to Selective Service as requested because they did not give enough information, they are outside the range for registration, or they did not sign the form

Comment Codes: Selective Service Resolution Comment 33 - Student can make corrections to SAR/ISIR and submit for processing - If student is over age 26, he must contact Selective Service for documentation of his registration status

Comment Codes: Selective Service Definition Comment 57 Selective Service did not register the student because they did not answer “Male” on the FAFSA

Comment Codes: Selective Service Resolution Comment 57 - Student did not answer that they were male - Student must register - Must provide confirmation or be eligible for waiver or exemption

Comment Codes: Drug Conviction Question #23 Definition Comment 053 Student left item 23 on the FAFSA blank. Failure to answer this question makes the student ineligible to receive federal student aid

Comment Codes: Drug Conviction Question #23 Resolution Comment Student is ineligible to receive federal financial aid if this response is left blank - This question must be corrected

Comment Codes: Drug Conviction Question #23 Definition Comment 054 The student reported a “2” in response to item 23 on the FAFSA. This means they are ineligible for federal student aid for part of the upcoming school year

Comment Codes: Drug Conviction Question #23 Resolution Comment Student is not eligible for federal aid until ineligibility period expires between 7/01/2011 and 6/30/2012

Comment Codes: Drug Conviction Question #23 Definition Comment 056 Student reported in item 23 that they have been convicted of an illegal drug offense

Comment Codes: Drug Conviction Question #23 Resolution Comment Student is not eligible for federal aid - If student provided an incorrect response to question #23, he/she should follow the directions in the comment text to make changes

Comment Codes: Drug Conviction Question #23 Definition Comment 058 Student reported in item 23 that they are not eligible for federal student aid as a result of a drug related conviction, or that they do not know if their conviction affect their eligibility

Comment Codes: Drug Conviction Question #23 Resolution Comment Student is not eligible for federal aid - If the student provided an incorrect response to question #23, he/she should follow the directions in the comment text to make changes

Comment Codes: National Student Loan Data System Definition Comment 115 The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) indicates that one or more of your federal student loans have been discharged Comment 116 The NSLDS indicates that the student has one or more student loans in active bankruptcy status

Comment Codes: National Student Loan Data System Resolution Comment 115 (Discharged Loans) Comment 116 (Bankruptcy Status) - Refer to the Federal Student Aid Handbook, Volume 1– FSA Handbook: Student Eligibility, chapter 3

Comment Codes: National Student Loan Data System Definition Comment 132 NSLDS indicates that the student is in DEFAULT on one or more federal student loans

Comment Codes: National Student Loan Data System Resolution Comment Student may need to contact ED to make satisfactory repayment arrangements - If the loan has been repaid, student must obtain documentation to verify paid status of defaulted loan

Comment Codes: National Student Loan Data System Comment 132 (Default) Comment 124 (Agency Contact Information) - Student will need to contact GA, DLS, or EDR to make satisfactory payment arrangements - If the loan has been paid, documentation must be obtained to verify paid status of defaulted loan

Comment Codes: National Student Loan Data System Definition Comment 135 and 136 The student needs to contact the lender associated with the loan to resolve any default or fraudulent federal student loans

Comment Codes: National Student Loan Data System Comment 135 Comment These comments accompany Comment A resolution is required

Comment Codes: National Student Loan Data System Comment 133 (Overpayment of FSA) Comment 134 (Default and Overpayment) Comment 138 (SSN and Name don’t match) -Resolution is required - Will be accompanied by Comment Codes to indicate which Title IV program has the overpayment status

Comment Codes: National Student Loan Data System Comment 254 (Loan limits) Comment 255 Comment 256 Comment Resolution required - Students receiving these codes are ineligible to receive further Title IV assistance

Comment Codes: Department of Veterans Affairs Definition Comment 162 The Department of Veterans Affairs did not confirm that the student is or will be a qualifying veteran for purposes of receiving federal student aid

Comment Codes: Department of Veterans Affairs Comment Student should contact the regional VA office to have VA records updated - FAA can collect DD214 to show proof of veteran status - Correction must be made by the student if he/she is truly not a veteran

Comment Codes: Department of Veterans Affairs Definition Comment 173 The Department of Veterans Affairs did not confirm that the student is or will be a qualifying veteran for purposes of receiving federal student aid

Comment Codes: Department of Veterans Affairs Comment 173 -Student can provide copy of DD214 - Student should also contact the regional VA office to have records updated - Corrections must be made by the student if he/she is truly not a veteran

Comment Codes: Department of Veterans Affairs Definition Comment 180 The Department of Veterans Affairs did not confirm that the student is or will be a qualifying veteran for purposes of receiving federal student aid The Department of Veterans Affairs did not confirm that the student is or will be a qualifying veteran for purposes of receiving federal student aid

Comment Codes: Department of Veterans Affairs Resolution Comment Student must provide school with documentation showing upcoming release orders for a military branch

Pop Quiz Would these result in a C Flag? Suzy got a gun, shot her old man and so she went to prison. Now that she’s out, she has applied to college and filed a FAFSA. Will she get a C Flag? No, there is no match for those who have been incarcerated for non-drug related crimes.

Pop Quiz Johnny Appleseed borrowed over $200,000 in Stafford Loans to attain his Doctorate degree in Astrology. When he became so disabled that he wasn’t able to work anymore, he had his loans discharged due to disability. He has recently decided to go back to college and get a degree in Finger Painting. Will he get a C Flag? Yes, because his loans were discharged as a result of disability, he will have to sign agreements in order to gain additional student loans to begin his finger painting career.

Pop Quiz Leslie is from Ontario. He and Peggy Jane robbed a bank and skipped town. They headed down to Morgantown, WV and are trying to get into college. They filed a FAFSA and Peggy Jane said she was a U.S. citizen. Will she get a C Flag? Yes, she is not a U.S. citizen and so her SSA match will come back flagged.

Pop Quiz Jane graduated High School at age 18 and joined the U.S. Army. She went through Basic Training and is now stationed in Ft. Jackson. Last month she got her orders to ship out to Iraq in six months. She figures she can start using her VA benefits before she leaves. So she files a FAFSA and answers that she is a Veteran. Will she get a C Flag? Jane graduated High School at age 18 and joined the U.S. Army. She went through Basic Training and is now stationed in Ft. Jackson. Last month she got her orders to ship out to Iraq in six months. She figures she can start using her VA benefits before she leaves. So she files a FAFSA and answers that she is a Veteran. Will she get a C Flag? Yes, she is not actually a veteran until she has served in active duty. She may have access to some G.I. Bill benefits, but she is not yet eligible for Veterans Benefits. Yes, she is not actually a veteran until she has served in active duty. She may have access to some G.I. Bill benefits, but she is not yet eligible for Veterans Benefits.

Pop Quiz Billy has decided to go back to college and get a degree in Women’s Studies. He has filed his FAFSA, but when he got to the “Sex” question he answered “Yes and I’m sorry”. When he got to the Selective Service question he remembers that he had not registered, so he answered “No, register me”. Will he get a C Flag? Yes, because he didn’t answer “male” on the sex question, he will get a C Flag. Yes, because he didn’t answer “male” on the sex question, he will get a C Flag.

C Flags Questions?