Many of my Zero EFC students are getting pulled for verification and are
required to do IRS Data Retrieval. I no longer suggest that students opt
for the skip of info option. If they have the information available - I
encourage them to complete the entire form.
Do you know why Maine Colleges are requiring it when the fed regulations
indicate it is not?
My concern is that it could easly result in a delay in the award if there
is any confusion in completing verification paperwork. - and there are
usually a lot of questions around verification.
Teri
Teri Morse, Advisor (2015-16 President, MEEOA)
Maine Educational Opportunity Center
Mid Coast Territory
207.551.3331 CELL
207.581.2532 FAX
On Wed, Apr 6, 2016 at 1:10 PM, Mila Tappan <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I might be in the process of stirring up a dust storm and want to check
> with all of you to get your feedback before going further.
>
> When students complete the FAFSA, many of our low-income students are
> eligible for "Auto-Zero" formula (parent income less than $25,000 and meet
> one of three other criteria). When doing a FAFSA with a student, you will
> find that after the parent income information is entered, the screen
> updates and there is a question that appears that says, "Do you want to
> skip the remaining questions about your and your parents income and
> assets?" So long as the parents' income isn't bumping up against the
> $25,000 cut off, I let students know that it is okay to skip those
> questions. The reality is, even if the information is provided it is
> excluded from the formula. My thought has always been why have them
> provide information that isn't need - keep it simple and get the FAFSA
> submitted (that is why the form has skip logic and is designed that way).
>
> Federal regulations do not require that income information be verified for
> a dependent auto-zero students, even if he or she is selected for
> verification. However, I'm learning that most colleges in Maine do require
> that students in that scenario verify income information, either by going
> back in, changing the answer to the question, and using IRS DRT or by
> obtaining and submitting a tax transcript.
>
> A couple of questions for you:
>
> What percentage of your 0 EFC students seems to be selected for
> verification? A small portion, about half, or most? Just trying to get a
> general idea of how many students this is impacting.
>
> Do you think this causes confusion for students who are selected for
> verification? To me, it seems like an unnecessary extra step, but if it
> isn't a big deal to students, I don't want to stir up a storm around the
> issue. On the other hand, if this additional step is causing confusion -
> or worse, preventing students from finishing the process, I want to be sure
> it is being discussed. Verification of parent income information is still
> required for auto-zero students.
>
> I'd love your feedback on this topic.
>
> Thank you very much!
>
> Mila Tappan
>
>
>
> Mila Tappan
> College Access and Outreach Manager
> FINANCE AUTHORITYOF MAINE
> P.O. Box 949, 5 Community Drive, Augusta, ME 04332-0949
> 207-620-3504 or 1-800-228-3734
> Fax: 207-213-2604 – TTY: 207-626-2717
> [log in to unmask]
>
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