| DCLPublicationDate: 11/1/98 DCLID: GEN-98-26 AwardYear: 1999-2000 Summary: This letter provides information about changes and enhancements to the 1999-2000 application processing system, including changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Student Aid Report (SAR), and the Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) November 1998 GEN-98-26 SUMMARY: This letter provides information about changes and enhancements to the 1999-2000 application processing system, including changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Student Aid Report (SAR), and the Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR). Dear Colleague: This action letter describes changes and improvements to the 1999-2000 application processing system, the FAFSA, FAFSA on the Web, Renewal FAFSA, Renewal FAFSA on the Web, FAFSA Express, the SAR and ISIR, and EDExpress. Major changes and improvements are highlighted below and are discussed in detail in Enclosure A. Information about other 1999-2000 changes and improvements is also provided in Enclosure A. We extensively revised the FAFSA so that it is easier for applicants and families to complete. We added a new database match with the Department of Veterans Affairs to confirm a student's claim to be a veteran. By May of 1999, we will implement two new database matches with the Social Security Administration (SSA). When implemented, we will perform matches with the SSAs "date of death" field and its prisoners file. CPS system-generated transactions (for example, those produced as a result of NSLDS post-screening) will be sent to schools in a separate message class so that schools can more easily identify them. The option for schools to receive 1999-2000 ISIRs on magnetic tape or cartridge has been discontinued. Beginning in Spring 1999, ED will begin transmitting all ISIRs to schools over the Internet instead of through the Title IV Wide Area Network (TIV WAN). Beginning in mid-February 1999, FAFSA on the Web and Renewal FAFSA on the Web will have an EFC Estimator feature that will estimate an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) for applicants. FAFSA on the Web and Renewal FAFSA on the Web will include a new banner ad, or graphic hyperlink, that can be copied and pasted onto other web sites. Electronic Access Codes (EAC) will automatically be mailed to certain eligible Renewal applicants. Additional information will be provided on the SAR/ISIR NSLDS Financial Aid History Page. Notification will be provided in a SAR/ISIR comment when students are within one annual loan amount of their Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) or Direct Loan aggregate loan limit or when they appear to have borrowed in excess of their FFEL or Direct Loan aggregate loan limit. The attached enclosures explain in detail these and other changes and enhancements we have made to the 1999-2000 application processing system. We continue our efforts to improve the application process and respond to the needs and concerns that the financial aid community has identified in focus groups, at conferences, and in other forums. Please continue to share with us your ideas and suggestions for future systems changes. Sincerely, Diane E. Rogers Acting Chief Operating Officer Office of Student Financial Assistance Programs Attachment A Attachment B Attachment C |