2023-2024 Federal Student Aid Handbook Errata and Updates

The errata and updates below are items that were amended after the initial files were posted to the web. For updates to the previous edition of the Federal Student Aid Handbook, see the introduction section contained within each volume. For questions about the Handbook contents, you can contact the Schools Publications staff at: fsaschoolspubs@ed.gov.

Application and Verification Guide

Date

Description

Location

Updates published March 16, 2023

We updated the example regarding Sam and moved it from the “Dependency Override” section to the “Unaccompanied Homeless Youth” section. Based on Sam’s circumstances, she should be considered a homeless youth and would not need a dependency override.

Volume 1- Student Eligibility

Date

Description

Location

Updates published April 12, 2023

Clarified language as it pertains to SAVE third-step response. Specifically, if a school does not receive a USCIS response within 15 days, has sufficient documentation to make a decision, and has no information that conflicts with the student’s documents or claimed status, the school should review the student’s file and determine whether they meet the eligible noncitizen requirements. If the student meets the requirements, the school may make any disbursement for which they are eligible and note in their file that SAVE exceeded the time allotment and that noncitizen eligibility was determined without their verification.

Updates published July 26, 2023

Clarified that for total and permanent disability (TPD) discharges, if a borrower whose prior loan was discharged due to a total and permanent disability wishes to take out a Direct Loan or wishes to receive a TEACH grant the borrower only needs to obtain the physician certification once.

Updates published September 7, 2023

Provided updated Jay Treaty guidance. Specifically, we clarified that Jay Treaty students who may be eligible for Title IV funds should enter their valid ARN on the FAFSA and indicate they are eligible noncitizens. If they fail the DHS match, the school must submit a third-step verification with the documentation. If they fail third-step verification, they can still be considered eligible if they meet the documentation requirements outlined in Chapter 2 for students without an ARN. For students who do not have an ARN, they should enter A999999999 and indicate they are eligible noncitizens. Students who enter A999999999 for their ARN will receive comment 408 on the output document indicating that the ARN provided is invalid. Please note that a DHS Verification number will not be generated in this instance, so schools will not be able to submit a third-step verification request. Instead, the school must obtain proof that such a student has 50% Native American blood and was born in Canada. Review the revised guidance under the “Jay Treaty students” bullet in the Eligible Noncitizens and Documentation section of Chapter 2.

Updates published September 27, 2023

In Chapter 2, under the “Eligible noncitizens and documentation” section, we updated the “Victims of human trafficking” bullet. Specifically, certain victims of human trafficking will continue to be identified through HHS’ certification process while others will now be identified through the DHS SAVE process as noted. In addition, in the “Ineligible statuses and documents” section, we added the exception for T-VISA holders/victims of human trafficking under the “Nonimmigrant visas” category. Finally, under the “Ineligible statuses” section, we clarified that students with a nonimmigrant status are ineligible except in the case of a victim of human trafficking.

Last Modified: 09/27/2023 • Published: 03/16/2023