On July 7, 2024, new password requirements will be implemented for users accessing systems behind Federal Student Aid’s Access and Identity Management System (AIMS). AIMS provides the authentication (log-in) process for many systems used by our partners, including the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) website, Electronic Cohort Default Rate Appeals (eCDR Appeals), FAA Access to CPS Online, the FAFSA Partner Portal, FSA Partner Connect, National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS®) Professional Access, Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG) Enrollment, and the EDconnect software.
A user with an existing FSA User ID and password will be prompted to create a password that meets the new requirements the next time the user performs a password change or reset.
The new password must meet the following criteria:
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Minimum length of 15 characters.
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Contain at least one uppercase (A-Z) and one lowercase (a-z) letter.
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Contain at least one number (0–9).
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Contain at least one special character (! @ # $ & *).
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May not match or resemble the user’s first name, last name, log-in name, or any Federal Student Aid system name.
A new user who is establishing an FSA User ID and password for the first time will be required to create a password that meets these updated requirements.
In addition, on July 7, 2024, we are adding the option for a user to select the use of a passphrase, instead of a password. A passphrase will be more memorable to the user and is more secure than a password.
If the user selects the option to use a passphrase, it must meet the following criteria:
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Minimum length of 16 characters.
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Cannot exceed one hundred and twenty-eight (128) characters.
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Cannot contain your first name, last name, or log-in name.
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Cannot contain any words that are system names.
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The passphrase and confirmed passphrase must match.
Help text and error messages, if appropriate, will provide the user with additional guidance on the new password requirements and passphrase option.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this information, contact the customer service center for the specific system or website you need to access. Contact information is available on the FSA Customer Service Center page on FSA Partner Connect or is provided on the specific system website.