On February 13, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) announced that it will reduce 2024 verification requirements for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to get applications to high school students as soon as possible.

Citing the problematic release of the updated FAFSA form, the temporary changes in procedure are intended to make it easier for colleges to process student records and issue financial aid offers during what has become a much tighter timeline.

Thus, the USDE will require colleges to verify fewer FAFSA applications and has also averred that the majority of income data is obtained from the IRS and does not require verification.

USDE has also stated that it will provide deadline flexibility for colleges that need to re-certify their eligibility for receiving federal financial aid.

Source: K-12 Dive.