Students with low-income backgrounds benefit as U.S. Department of Education reduces verification requirements and grants extra time to colleges due to FAFSA glitches.
The Problem:
- Glitchy launch of the new FAFSA form delayed access and caused uncertainty for students, especially those from low-income families.
- Stringent verification process added another hurdle, potentially denying aid to eligible students.
The Solution:
- Reduced Verification: Department of Education significantly lowers the number of students selected for verification, focusing on identity instead of income.
- More Time for Colleges: Schools get flexibility with program reviews and paperwork deadlines, freeing up resources to help students.
What it Means:
- Good News: Less paperwork eases the burden on students and colleges, potentially speeding up financial aid award process.
- Challenges Remain: Delays in FAFSA data delivery might still squeeze students’ decision-making timeframe.
- Call for Flexibility: Advocacy groups urge colleges to extend deadlines to accommodate delays.
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Additional Notes:
- Lawmakers express concerns about FAFSA rollout, questioning funding priorities and resource allocation.
- Department acknowledges challenges and lack of anticipated funding, but focuses on solutions like reduced verification.
Overall, these changes alleviate some pressure caused by the FAFSA rollout, but students and colleges might still face difficulties due to remaining delays.
