Applying for Financial Aid

The FAFSA Simplification Act, passed by Congress in 2020, includes the first major redesign of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) system in more than 40 years. The goal of the redesign is to offer families a more seamless filing experience, as well as reducing errors, removing barriers, and expanding student eligibility for federal aid. Visit the Federal Student Aid YouTube for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.

Anticipated Financial Aid Offer Delivery
The FAFSA is expected to be eligible for review by Hudson Valley Community College in late April with award notifications being sent out to students in mid-May to early June. We will update this information as it becomes available.

• You first need to create a FSA ID, if you don't have one already.
  • Both the student and all parent contributors will need an FSA ID to electronically sign the FAFSA when it is released. For more information regarding who qualifies as a contributor to a student’s FAFSA, please see the Am I a CONTRIBUTOR on My Child’s FAFSA® Form? (PDF).
  • This must be completed at least 3-5 business days BEFORE completing the FAFSA.
  • YouTube Video: How to Create an Account and Username (FSA ID) for StudentAid.gov

Complete the FAFSA

NOTE: The FAFSA will require tax return information from two years prior (“prior prior year”). This information is pulled in from the IRS database by providing consent when completing the FAFSA. If you didn't save a copy of your return, request a free tax transcript from the IRS.

Students who would like to get a head start on the financial aid process are encouraged to apply.

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Information and Application

• NYS TAP Application Guides and Resources

After your FAFSA is processed, Hudson Valley Community College will be sent the information electronically. You may be required to submit additional information to the Financial Aid Office. You can verify your FAFSA in the Campus Logic Student Forms system.

Campus Logic Student Forms

Additional information is often required for one or more of the reasons listed below.

Database Mismatch
Your FAFSA data is matched against various federal databases (i.e. Social Security Administration, Selective Service, Dept. of Homeland Security, Dept. of Veteran Affairs) to make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements for federal financial aid. If it cannot be determined that you meet the basic eligibility requirements, you may be asked to submit any of the following:

• Copy of your Social Security Card.
• Copy of your birth certificate.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Copy of your alien registration card.
• Proof of being a veteran of the armed forces.

Verification
The U.S. Department of Education selects some FAFSA applicants for a process called "verification." Hudson Valley Community College may also select a student for verification. If you are selected for this process, you will be required to submit any or all of the following to the Financial Aid Office:

• Copy of student's federal IRS tax return transcript*
  Request an Official IRS Tax Return Transcript
• Copy of student's W2 form(s)
• Copy of parent's federal IRS tax return transcript* (Dependent students only)
  Request an Official IRS Tax Return Transcript
• Copy of parent's W2 form(s) (Dependent students only)

*If you (or your parents, if you are a dependent) use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when filing the FAFSA, you may not be required to submit copies of the IRS tax return transcripts. You can also make a correction to your FAFSA to utilize the IRS Data Retrieval Tool after the FAFSA has been submitted. Login to www.studentaid.gov/, choose "Make Corrections" and then select the "Financial Information" tab. Be sure to "Submit" your corrections.

Federal regulations require that independent students/student's parents/student's spouses who did not file taxes must submit proof that they didn't file an IRS tax return.

Please be aware that other documentation may be required to resolve conflicting information that occurs between your FAFSA and verification documents. All errors, mismatches and verification issues must be resolved before your financial aid eligibility can be finalized.

Once your FAFSA data is received and any requested verification documents have been received, the Financial Aid Office will send an email to your Hudson Valley Community College email account.

Your SUNY Award Letter will list any federal grants you qualify to receive as a full-time student, as well as any student loans for which you may apply. If the Financial Aid Office has been notified of your New York State TAP award, this will also be listed on your notice. Students who plan to attend part-time must notify the Financial Aid Office immediately so their awards can be reviewed and adjusted.

Note about Degree Applicable Hours
You can only receive federal and state aid for courses that count towards your degree program. An error message will occur when you schedule a course that is NOT degree-applicable. You can view your scheduled courses on WIReD. Tuition bills will NOT reflect financial aid credits for courses that are not degree-applicable. Please review your schedule and your tuition bill very carefully for any discrepancies relating to your courses and financial aid.