1. Federal and New York State Update
Winter 2016
Thanks for joining me today to learn about our new template, part of the statewide initiative for branding New York State government agencies.
Using the template properly will help ensure HESC presentations are professional.

2. FAFSA & Federal Student Aid Updates
First we will start with updates on FAFSA and the federal student aid application process.

3. 2016-17 FAFSA Timeline FSA ID – Now Live
FAFSA on the Web fafsademo.test.ed.gov – Now Live
FAFSA on the Web – Now Live
IRS Data Retrieval Tool – February 2016
Here is a timeline of events surrounding the launch of the FAFSA application.
The FSA ID process is now live. We will talk about this process more during this update.
The FAFSA on the Web demo online at fafsademo.test.ed.gov will be available in late December 2015.
The actual FAFSA on the Web application will launch on January 1st 2016.
Finally, the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, which allows students and parents to download their federal tax return information into their FAFSA application, will not be available until February 2016.

4. Notable FAFSA Updates for 2016-17
FAFSA.com is transferring their web domain over to the US Department of Education
The FSA ID process
FAFSA college list will no longer be shared with colleges
Update to the Legal Guardianship question
In , move “prior prior year” tax info
Here are some of the other new changes that are coming to the FAFSA application:
First, FAFSA.com will be transferring over their web domain to FAFSA.gov.
Next, the FSA ID has now fully replaced the use of the PIN to file the FAFSA application. We will be reviewing this process a bit more in depth during this presentation.
Also, the full list of colleges on the FAFSA application will no longer be viewable by colleges. However, the full list will still be viewable by state grant agencies.
More recently, you may have heard an announcement about FAFSA allowing students to file earlier using “prior prior year” tax information. This change will take place with the application and does not affect the upcoming application.

5. End of FAFSA.COM
Our first update is to inform you that the company that runs FAFSA.com recently reached a settlement with the federal government involving the eventual transfer their web domain over to the US Department of Education.
When students link to FAFSA.com, they will see the following page with instructions to link to FAFSA.gov. Eventually, FAFSA.com will automatically link students to FAFSA.gov when the transfer is complete.

6. FAFSA.GOV
Here is the FAFSA.gov homepage, so far there are no changes to this page.
Remember, FAFSA stands for the FREE Application for Federal Student Aid. It is important to remind students that the application is free and they should go to the correct website to file it. Students searching for the FAFSA through Google or other search engines may still be directed to websites where they are charged fees to complete their application.
Students who are applying to college for the academic year should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1, when the application will be available. Students looking to start college during the should make sure not to file the FAFSA application. 6 8

7. Before Starting the FAFSA
Students and parents should each apply for their own Federal Student Aid ID (FSAID)
Replaces the PIN process
Used to access features and sign FAFSA electronically
Can be applied for while filing the FAFSA application or directly at FSAID.ed.gov
Federal Student Aid now requires both the student and at least one parent to create FSA IDs; these are usernames and passwords for the FAFSA. This process replaces the PIN that we were familiar with in the past.
Similar to the PIN, the FSA ID will be used to log into the FAFSA, download tax information using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, and electronically sign the application. FSA IDs can be applied for through the FAFSA application at the point when it is required or separately on the website fsaid.ed.gov.

8. Creating the FSA ID via FAFSA.GOV
Click “Create an FSA ID”
FSA ID is also directly accessible at fsaid.ed.gov
So one option for users to create their FSA ID is by linking through the FAFSA.gov page.
By clicking on Create a new FSA ID, they will be taken to the FSAID.ed.gov website where they will create an account.

9. FSAID.ED.GOV
Here is the home page at FSAID.ed.gov.

10. Common Issues
The following are common issues that are causing trouble when users are creating FSA IDs:
Creating the FSA ID for another individual (e.g. parent for a student or student for a parent)
Using the same address to create different FSA IDs
Failure of Social Security Administration match when a PIN is not linked
The following are common issues that are causing trouble when users are creating FSA IDs:
Creating the FSA ID for another individual (e.g. parent for a student or student for a parent) - Users are advised that it is not legal for another individual to create or use the FSA ID of another person.
Using the same address to create different FSA IDs - This will cause problems with verification as only one FSA ID can be verified per unique address.
Failure of Social Security Administration match when a PIN is not linked – If users are not linking their PIN then the SSA match may not be ready for them to use the FSA ID to sign their FAFSA.

11. Create Account – Challenge Questions
Five Challenge
Questions are required
for registration
All questions and
answers must be
unique
There are a few changes to the challenge questions from the old PIN application.
The FSA ID application requires users to select and create challenge questions that are used to confirm the identity of users who forget their Username and/or Password.
The final created question requires the user to enter an 8 digit date.

12. Create Account – Email Verification
A confirmation will be sent to the address provided. In this , there is a secure verification code.
Verifying an address is optional but provides added security and functionality such as:
- Use an address as your Username for login
- Use to recover Username or reset Password
The user can choose to verify their address. It is highly recommend verifying an address as it will simplify the forgot username or forgot password process.
A verified address is one that has been confirmed to be accurate and used only by the FSA ID holder. With a verified address, self-service is much easier. The user can receive forgotten password or Username links instead of answering challenge questions. In addition, a user can use their address as a username if they have verified it.
To verify an address first click on the “continue” button. The system will send a message to the account provided with a secure 6 digit code. Get the code and enter it into the box labeled Secure Code to complete the verification process.
Unique addresses must be provided! An used to verify another FSA ID will not work for verification purposes.

13. FSA ID Help
Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC): FED-AID ( )
Request escalation to the FSA ID team
Web chat at FAFSA.gov
Help → Contact Us
If a student or parent needs help with their FSA ID, then they may contact FSA directly by calling FED-AID ( ). They have FSA ID specialists that a user may be referred to.
Web chat is also available on FAFSA.gov using the help link.

14. FAFSA: College Information Section
Up to 10 colleges may be listed; can be updated by correction
For , the student’s list of colleges will no longer be shared with colleges
only state grant agencies will continue to have access
Another important update to note for the FAFSA will be a change to the College Information page in the Student Section of the Application.
For , the student’s list of colleges will no longer be shared with colleges. Only state grant agencies, such as HESC, will continue to have access to aid in state financial aid application process.
So, students and parents no longer need to concern themselves with how they are listing colleges in this section of the application.

15. FAFSA: School Selection Page

16. FAFSA: School Selection Summary Page

17. FAFSA: Dependency Status Section
FAFSA provides questions to determine the dependency status of students
Generally, students under 24 years old are required to report parent info
Students answering YES to a question in this section may qualify them as an independent
For other special circumstances, consult with the financial aid office
Do students need to provide their parents’ information? Yes.
Students are required to provide their parent or parents’ information if they do not meet the FAFSA criteria for independence.
FAFSA asks a series of questions about the student to determine if the student meets the criteria of an independent student. Based on the answers to these questions, the application will ask for parent information or guide you through the application as an independent student.
If you have a special circumstance that is not reflected on the FAFSA form you should reach out to the college financial aid office for assistance.

18. FAFSA: Legal Guardianship Question
Applicants sometimes answer the legal guardianship question incorrectly
As a resolution, FAFSA question 55 has been reworded and help text has been modified

19. New Legal Guardianship Messaging

20. Other FAFSA Changes
Automatic Zero EFC threshold increased to $25,000
Tax line references in taxes paid questions changed to reflect the new 2015 federal income tax forms

21. FAFSA: 2016-17 Income Information
Parent, Student Income Information
Prior year income information will be requested from the 2015 federal income tax return
The IRS Data Retrieval Tool will be available in February to download 2015 federal tax info
Income estimates may be provided
Regarding Parent and Student Income Information the process remains the same as in previous years where prior year income information will be requested. So, for the FAFSA, the student and parent 2015 earnings will be evaluated based on the 2015 federal income tax return.
Of course, students and parents may provide income estimates if they are filing early. However, the IRS Data Retrieval Tool will only download 2015 income tax data to update the form.
As you may have heard, in Fall 2016, the FAFSA application will allow applicants to use “prior prior year” income information for earlier filing. So in the Fall of 2016 the FAFSA will let students apply much earlier for year and use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to download their “prior prior year” 2015 income tax information.
Please keep in mind that the upcoming FAFSA process has not changed.

22. FAFSA: IRS Data Retrieval Tool
Connects to IRS for tax data of completed tax returns
Electronic filers – about 2 weeks after submittal
Use for original FAFSA and corrections
Here is a screen shot of the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.
Remember, it is highly recommended that FAFSA applicants use the Tool. It is available as part of the parent and student tax information sections on the FAFSA and automatically downloads and inputs fields from the federal tax return onto FAFSA. Federal income tax returns should be filed prior to using the Retrieval Tool.
The tool becomes available in early February. Anyone filing the FAFSA in January or the first week of February will not be able to use it. However, once the tool is available, early filers or anyone who is selected for verification can update their information using the tool through the FAFSA correction process.
For a variety of reasons, not everyone may be able to use it. You cannot use the retrieval tool if:
You have an amended return
Are married filing separately
File a foreign tax return
Use a tax ID number instead of a SSN

23. Changes to the FAFSA for 2017-18
Students will be able to submit a FAFSA as early as October 1, 2016
Students and parents will report income information from an earlier tax year (2015 instead of 2016).
The pre-printed FAFSA will no longer be available.
The PDF FAFSA will still be available for download across multiple Federal Student Aid websites

24. TAP & New York State Student Aid Updates
Now that we have covered the federal updates, let’s switch gears and talk about New York State student aid.

25. Notable TAP Application Updates for 2016-17
Updated appearance
Parent info will no longer be transferred from FAFSA
Parents may use their Tax Filing ID Number (TIN) in place of a Social Security Number
Updated Dependent Status screen to identify youth in foster care
All missing documentation requests can be downloaded and uploaded from student’s HESC account
Here are some of the other new changes that are coming to the FAFSA application:
First, FAFSA.com will be transferring over their web domain to FAFSA.gov.
Next, the FSA ID has now fully replaced the use of the PIN to file the FAFSA application. We will be reviewing this process a bit more in depth during this presentation.
Also, the full list of colleges on the FAFSA application will no longer be viewable by colleges. However, the full list will still be viewable by state grant agencies.
More recently, you may have heard an announcement about FAFSA allowing students to file earlier using “prior prior year” tax information. This change will take place with the application and does not affect the upcoming application.

26. How to Apply for New York State Aid
As some of you are aware, the process of applying for New York State aid starts on the FAFSA confirmation page.
The applicant must indicate that they are a resident of New York State and have listed at least one college located in New York on the FAFSA application for the link to be present.
The link is only provided one time, so if the student misses it they will need to wait at least 3 to 5 business days to apply for TAP through the HESC website.

27. Anytime TAP-on-the-Web Application
Using the link will bring you to the HESC TAP application web portal. Make sure pop-up blockers are set to allow pop-ups on the FAFSA website!
First time TAP applicants will need to establish a HESC User ID and PIN number as part of the application process.

28. TAP: Single College Selection
To change the school, check the box and click on “Delete.” Then select “Search.”
One nuance to note about the TAP application process is that you can only apply for one college at a time. This may confuse students that have listed 10 colleges on their FAFSA.
You will see the first NYS school listed from the FAFSA and the applicant can make changes, if needed. We advise applicants to list their top choice or preferred college in New York at this point. They can log back in at a later point to change the name if they end up choosing a different college to attend.
To remove a school, check the box and click on ‘Delete,’ then select ‘Search.”

29. TAP: Independence
Students under the age of 22 seeking independence for TAP must be able to:
Claim financial independence and answer No to Financial Independence Status (FIS) questions, and
Meet one of our “Special Conditions”
Ward of the court
Public assistance under own budget
Involuntary dissolution of family
Parents are deceased, permanently disabled, or declared incompetent
What are these special conditions and what proof needs to sent?
First, is the applicant a ward of the court? If yes, documentation such as a copy of a court order making them a ward of the court or appointing a legal guardian other than their parents must be sent.
Next, does the applicant receive public assistance under their own budget and not as a dependent of their parents? If yes, then they need documentation such as a budget statement or other documentation from a social service official showing receipt of public assistance. Receipt of food stamps, unemployment insurance, or Social Security benefits do not meet this requirement. Any Housing Assistance or Public Assistance Budget Letter must be in student’s name.
Third, has there been an involuntary dissolution of the applicant’s family resulting in relinquishment of their parents’ responsibility and control? If yes, acceptable documentation can include a sworn and signed statement from a person other than the applicant or parents, such as a member of the clergy, a social worker, a legal aid representative, or an official at the facility or institution which has accepted responsibility for the applicant’s control or care. The statement must include specific reasons for relinquishment of parental responsibility and control, such as abandonment by the parents, mental and/or physical abuse by the parents, or parents being neither citizens nor residents of the U.S. An explanation of the relationship of the person making the statement and how they have direct knowledge of the applicants circumstances must be included.
Fourth, is the applicant a veteran who was honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces? If so, a copy of the applicant’s DD214 form showing an honorable discharge or any other official documentation from the Veterans’ Administration is required.
Last, are the applicant’s parents deceased, certified as having a total and permanent disability, or declared incompetent by judicial action? If yes, documentation such as copies of both parents’ death certificates, medical certifications, and court orders are acceptable.
As with the Residency Questionnaire review, the review of documentation for special conditions is a process that can take time for a response, especially during peak application periods. 29 29

30. New: Dependent Status Screen
The student will indicate whether they are claiming financial independence from their parents. This question streamlines the process regarding financial independence, if the student meets all other criteria.

31. Financial Independence Status (FIS)
The student will indicate whether they are claiming financial independence from their parents. This question streamlines the process regarding financial independence, if the student meets all other criteria.

32. Special Conditions Screen
The student will indicate whether they are claiming financial independence from their parents. This question streamlines the process regarding financial independence, if the student meets all other criteria.

33. New: Parent Information Section
Parent info will no longer be transferred from FAFSA for data security reasons
Parents may now provide their Tax Filing ID Number (TIN) in place of a Social Security Number
Parents without a SSN or TIN can leave the answer blank and check the appropriate box
Student will need to download and have parents complete a “signature page” from their TAP account
Here are some of the other new changes that are coming to the FAFSA application:
First, FAFSA.com will be transferring over their web domain to FAFSA.gov.
Next, the FSA ID has now fully replaced the use of the PIN to file the FAFSA application. We will be reviewing this process a bit more in depth during this presentation.
Also, the full list of colleges on the FAFSA application will no longer be viewable by colleges. However, the full list will still be viewable by state grant agencies.
More recently, you may have heard an announcement about FAFSA allowing students to file earlier using “prior prior year” tax information. This change will take place with the application and does not affect the upcoming application.

34. New: Parents Information Page
Another screen I want to highlight is the Parent Marital Status Screen.
Students will update their parents information, as needed. If the student is dependent on their parents, HESC will use the parents information to determine eligibility. If parents do not have a SSN, the student should select the appropriate box.
Students may only exclude one parent due to separation or divorce. If both parents are disabled or deceased, the student should contact the HESC Customer Communications Center to seek advice in how to proceed.

35. New NYS Scholarship Programs
Achievement & Investment in Merit Scholarship (AIMS)
Masters-in-Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship Program
In addition to TAP, New York State administers other grant, scholarship and award programs. These are few of the programs, and the complete list can be found on the HESC.ny.gov website.
While most of these are grants or scholarships, some of the programs, like the NYS Math and Science Teaching Incentive Program, have a service component.

36. NYS Achievement and Investment in Merit Scholarship (NY-AIMS)
NY-AIMS provides $500, renewable, merit-based scholarships to New York State high school graduates who achieved academic excellence as a high school student, and enroll or plan to enroll in a public or private New York State college immediately after high school.
Our newest scholarship is the New York State Achievement and Investment in Merit Scholarship (NY-AIMS).
This program provides $500 merit-based scholarships to New York State high school graduates who achieved academic excellence as a high school student, and enroll or plan to enroll in a public or private New York State college immediately after high school.

37. Other NYS Programs: NY-AIMS
Eligibility and selection criteria
For study in New York State (public or private)
For students that achieve two of the following criteria
Graduate with a GPA of 3.3 or above
Graduate “with honors” on a NYS Regents diploma
Score 3 or higher at least two Advanced Placement (AP) exams
Graduate within the top 15% of high school class
Recipients will be selected and prioritized based on the unmet need per their financial aid award letter
Applications available in May 2016
Students can apply for this program if they achieve two of the following criteria:
-graduate with a GPA of 3.3 or above
-graduate “with honors” on a NYS Regents diploma
-receive a score of 3 or higher on two or more Advanced Placement (AP) examinations
-graduate within the top 15% of high school class
NY-AIMS recipients will be selected and prioritized based on the unmet need per their financial aid award letter. They will need to submit their award letter to HESC during the application process.
Students can apply online for this program on hesc.ny.gov starting in May 2016.

38. Apply for Other NYS Programs at hesc.ny.gov
If students are interested in applying to these or any other New York State student financial aid programs, then they can go to the HESC website at HESC.ny.gov. Under the “Pay” tab you will see a link to Other NYS Grants, Scholarships & Awards.

39. FAFSA Completion Initiative
The last topic I want to cover in this update is the national FAFSA Completion Initiative that we are encouraging all schools to participate in.

40. FAFSA Completion Initiative
Builds and expands on the success of the U.S. Department of Education’s FAFSA Completion Pilot Project
Allows schools direct access to FAFSA and TAP filing status information
Your school and/or school district can easily identify students that may need assistance in completing the FAFSA
Non-DOE schools, college access programs can register with HESC to participate via at
NYC DOE Schools must contact the Office of Post Secondary Readiness (OPSR)
The FAFSA Completion initiative is an expansion of the US Department of Educations FAFSA Completion Pilot Project that some schools may have participated in.
Participating in the Initiative allows HESC to give schools the ability to access FAFSA and TAP application completion data.
Our goal is be able to provide information that will allow your school and/or school district to identify and assist students and families in completing a FAFSA. You can encourage students that have not yet filed a FAFSA to file or help students with FAFSA errors get their applications fixed.
There is no registration deadline so schools can sign up at any time to participate.

41. More Info: hesc.ny.gov/FAFSA-Initiative
More information and resources on the FAFSA Completion Initiative can be found on our website, HESC.ny.gov, in the “HS Counselors” section under “Partner Access.” 8

42. Questions?
Does anyone have any questions?

43. HESC Services and Support
Contact:
Michael Turner
Client Relations Manager
(347) (cell)
**NOT FOR STUDENTS OR PARENTS!**

44. NYS Higher Education Services Corporation
Thank You!
NYS Higher Education Services Corporation
99 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12255
1-888-NYSHESC ( )
Thank you!
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions!