Maintained for Historical Purposes

This resource is being maintained for historical purposes only and is not currently applicable.

Verifying Total Income

AwardYear: 1995-1996
ChapterNumber: 4
ChapterTitle: Discretionary Verification
Section: Verifying Total Income
PageNumber:


If the applicant's reported AGI (or income earned from work) is so
low that you doubt the family could have lived on that, you may
wish to verify total income. Verification of total income is not
required, though required verification does include some of the
components of total income. Total income is the sum of AGI (or
income earned from work), Social Security Benefits, AFDC, and
other untaxed income. (See Worksheet #2 in the FAFSA
Instructions for a detailed list of other income that must be
reported.)

A Tip for Verifying Total Income

Often, when a student is asked to explain how bills are paid,
unreported sources of income are discovered. Ask how much
monthly housing and utility bills are, and from what income source
they are paid. Also ask about food costs, medical bills, and car
payments.