Master File with Index
Posted Date: October 27, 2015 Volume: Complete 2015-2016 Federal Student Aid Handbook with Active Index [Caution: Large File] The 2015-2016 Federal Student Aid Handbook with Active Index is presented as a single PDF file. The page numbers in the index are active links that will take you directly to the cited page in the PDF file. In the header, "Glossary-Acronyms", "CFR", and "DCL" are active links that will take you directly to the corresponding Web page or document. The index appears at the beginning of the document (replacing the table of contents), followed by the Application and Verification Guide, the numbered volumes, and the appendices of the Handbook. Note that this is a very large file--16MB--so it might take some time to download. The index appears at the beginning of the document (replacing the table of contents), followed by the Application and Verification Guide, the numbered volumes, and the appendices of the Handbook. Note that this is a very large file--16MB--so it might take some time to download.
Attachments
Application and Verification Guide
Posted Date: February 9, 2015 Volume: Application and Verification Guide [2015-2016 Federal Student Aid Handbook] The Application and Verification Guide is presented below as a master PDF file, comprising a table of contents and chapters, followed by separate PDF files for each chapter of the volume. Look to the right to see all the hyperlinked titles for each chapter (listed as attachments). Opening the PDF files requires version 4.0 or greater of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
Attachments
Volume 1 - Student Eligibility
Posted Date: April 21, 2015 Volume: Volume 1 - Student Eligibility [2015-2016 Federal Student Aid Handbook] Volume 1 - Student Eligibility is presented below as a master PDF file, comprising of a table of contents and chapters, followed by separate PDF files for each chapter of the volume. Look to the right to see all the hyperlinked titles for each chapter (listed as attachments). Opening the PDF files requires version 4.0 or greater of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
Attachments
Volume 2 - School Eligibility and Operations
Posted Date: August 25, 2015 Volume: Volume 2 - School Eligibility and Operations [2015-2016 Federal Student Aid Handbook] Volume 2 - School Eligibility and Operations is presented below as a master PDF file, comprising of a table of contents and chapters, followed by separate PDF files for each chapter of the volume. Look to the right to see all the hyperlinked titles for each chapter (listed as attachments). Opening the PDF files requires version 4.0 or greater of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
Attachments
Volume 3 - Calculating Awards & Packaging
Posted Date: May 14, 2015 Volume: Volume 3 - Calculating Awards & Packaging [2015-2016 Federal Student Aid Handbook] Volume 3 - Calculating Awards & Packaging is presented below as a master PDF file, comprising a table of contents and chapters, followed by separate PDF files for each chapter of the volume. Look to the right to see all the hyperlinked titles for each chapter (listed as attachments). Opening the PDF files requires version 4.0 or greater of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
Attachments
Volume 4 - Processing Aid and Managing FSA Funds
Posted Date: March 19, 2015 Volume: Volume 4 - Processing Aid and Managing FSA Funds [2015-2016 Federal Student Aid Handbook] Volume 4 - Processing Aid and Managing FSA Funds is presented below as a master PDF file, comprising an introduction, table of contents, chapters, and appendices, followed by separate PDF files for each chapter and appendix of the volume. Look to the right to see all the hyperlinked titles for each chapter (listed as attachments). Opening the PDF files requires version 4.0 or greater of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
Attachments
Volume 5 - Withdrawals and the Return of Title IV Funds
Posted Date: June 2, 2015 Volume: Volume 5 - Withdrawals and the Return of Title IV Funds [2015-2016 Federal Student Aid Handbook] Volume 5 - Withdrawals and the Return of Title IV Funds is presented below as a master PDF file, comprising a table of contents and chapters, followed by separate PDF files for each chapter of the volume. Look to the right to see all the hyperlinked titles for each chapter (listed as attachments). Opening the PDF files requires version 4.0 or greater of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
Attachments
Volume 6 - The Campus-Based Programs
Posted Date: May 27, 2015 Volume: Volume 6 - The Campus-Based Programs [2015-2016 Federal Student Aid Handbook] Volume 6 – The Campus-Based Programs is presented below as a master PDF file, comprising a table of contents and chapters, followed by separate PDF files for each chapter of the volume. Look to the right to see all the hyperlinked titles for each chapter (listed as attachments). Opening the PDF files requires version 4.0 or greater of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
Attachments
Errata and Updates
Posted Date:June 24, 2015 Volume: Errata and Updates for 2015-2016 FSA Handbook 2015-2016 Federal Student Aid Handbook Errata and Updates The errata and updates below are items that were amended after the initial PDF files were posted to the Web. For questions about the Handbook contents, you can contact the Schools Publications staff at: fsaschoolspubs@ed.gov.
Application and Verification Guide
Date |
Description |
Location |
---|---|---|
Updated Files Posted October 5, 2015 |
We updated the guidance pertaining to filers of amended tax returns to show that a copy of the original return is no longer needed for verification. |
Chapter 4, P. AVG-82. |
Updated Files Posted October 5, 2015 |
We modified and added text to the margin note about verification and professional judgment. |
Chapter 4, P. AVG-82 |
Updated Files Posted October 5, 2015 |
We updated the guidance for victims of tax-related identity theft with the following: they need to provide a signed statement about their status, and if they cannot get a TRDBV transcript, they can provide another IRS document that has all of the information necessary for verification. |
Chapter 4, P. AVG-82. |
Updated Files Posted October 5, 2015 |
For the margin note on ATB alternatives, we added the third paragraph. |
Chapter 4, P. AVG-87 |
Updated Files Posted October 5, 2015 |
We modified and added text to the margin note about disbursing unsubsidized aid prior to completing verification in certain instances. |
Chapter 4, P. AVG-88 |
Updated Files Posted October 5, 2015 |
At the end of the first paragraph, we removed the sentence about using dependency overrides for 22- and 23-year-old unaccompanied homeless youth because our guidance for these students is to classify them now as homeless youth. |
Chapter 5, P. AVG-124 |
Updated Files Posted October 5, 2015 |
We added the margin citation to DCL GEN-15-16, which is a recent Dear Colleague Letter about unaccompanied homeless youth. Also, in the bullet about exercising discretion in these situations, we added a sentence advising FAAs to not focus on the reasons why the students are homeless and unaccompanied but on whether they meet the definition of that status |
Chapter 5, P. AVG-127 |
Updated Files Posted October 5, 2015 |
We added a sentence about making a homeless youth determination after a student has already submitted the FAFSA; we emphasized that, as with dependency overrides, a homeless youth determination for a student must be made each year; and we removed the sentence about appeals to the Department. |
Chapter 5, P. AVG-128 |
Updated Files Posted October 5, 2015 |
The final paragraph now explains that those who don't meet the definition of youth because they are older than 21 (and not yet 24) and who are unaccompanied and homeless or self-supporting and at risk of being homeless qualify for a homeless youth determination rather than a dependency override. |
Chapter 5, P. AVG-128 |
Updated Files Posted June 24, 2015 |
We removed the text about the personal identification number or PIN since it is no longer being used now that the FSA ID has taken its place as of May 10, 2015. Throughout the AVG we removed mention of the PIN. |
Chapter 1, P. AVG-4 |
Updated Files Posted June 24, 2015 |
We revised the guidance about the address that incarcerated students and homeless youth should use on their FAFSA. |
Chapter 2, P. AVG-9 |
Updated Files Posted June 24, 2015 |
In the chart at the bottom of the page, we changed the line number for income tax paid on the 1040A form from 39 to 37. |
Chapter 4, P. AVG-79 |
Updated Files Posted June 24, 2015 |
We updated the text in the bullet at the top of the page related to the new ATB provisions for students in a career pathway program, and we added a margin note with further guidance. |
Chapter 4, P. AVG-87 |
Updated Files Posted June 24, 2015 |
In Section F of the suggested verification text, we corrected the FAFSA years to 2015–2016. |
Chapter 4, P. AVG-103 |
Updated Files Posted June 24, 2015 |
We removed the suggestion about calling the IRS to order a hard copy of Publication 17, which is no longer available in print. |
Chapter 5, P. AVG-125 |
Volume 1: Student Eligibility
Date |
Description |
Location |
---|---|---|
Updated Files Posted June 29, 2015 |
We replaced Chapter 2 of Volume 1 to reflect updated instructions for institutions to complete the Document Verification Request (G-845) Form. A revised G-845 form is now available with an expiration date of 05/31/2018. For more information about the revised G-845 form, refer to the updated Chapter 2 and to the June 29, 2015 Electronic Announcement. |
Chapter 2 of Volume 1 |
Appendices
Date |
Description |
Location |
---|---|---|
Updated Files Posted January 22, 2016 |
We made significant changes to the compliance calendar that is published as Appendix F. We added to or otherwise modified many of the entries and have also changed the chart format to one that is consistent with the chapters in the rest of the FSA Handbook. |
Appendix F |
Updated Files Posted December 15, 2015 |
We updated the direct dial phone number for the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC). |
Appendix A, P. A-30 |
Appendices
Posted Date: July 31, 2015 Volume: Appendices [2015-2016 Federal Student Aid Handbook] The Appendices volume is presented below as a master PDF file, comprising an introduction, table of contents, and appendices, followed by separate PDF files for each appendix of the volume. Look to the right to see all the hyperlinked titles for each appendix (listed as attachments). Opening the PDF files requires version 4.0 or greater of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.
Attachments