thumper1

I read in today's paper that there is a bill being proposed in the house of representatives to simplify the FAFSA for families earning under $20,000. Included in that bill is a provision for families to have their IRS info plugged in by the FAFSA folks by accessing the IRS records. This would make the info on the tax return automatically the same as that on the FAFSA, thus eliminating the need for verification, and saving a ton of money. Personally, I think this is terrific, but I know there will be folks who do NOT want their tax records accessed (why??). For the under $20,000 families, the FAFSA would be reduced to 20 essential questions. Re: this...do they think the REST OF US love doing the 100 confusing questions on the FAFSA. Personally, I think if they are going to make a change, it should be for EVERYONE!!!

NikkiiL

You may want to read the fine print on that propsed education bill. What sounds like a good thing is usually just the opposite when it comes to Financial Aid changes. Congress really has no concept of reality. And I would pretty much guarantee that it would not reduce the number of students selected for verification. Current Federal mandates call for a minimum 33% of all FA applications to be selected for verification, irregardless of the information submitted. Some schools have chosen to verify 100% of applicants...and I don't see any of us changing our current policies...as it would have the appearance of discrimination. I can see the "rich" parents and students already starting to cry fowl should only they be subject to verification procedures.

xam

How about middle class families that make $80,000-100,000 a year. That doesn't mean we should have to spend half our income on college. We are kind of new to this process.

scottaa

C'mon guys! This is the federal government. They're here to help you.

All kidding aside... I am certain that whatever Congress does will only make it more complicated.

swimcatsmom

Personally I'd as soon they didn't go changing it until we are done with having to complete it (probably 2 more years). I understand it right now and don't really want to have to relearn. Plus it seems when they change anything it take a year or so to iron the kinks out which I would rather not be subject to.

I have never thought it was that hard to complete (easier than a tax return) though I do understand it is harder for self employed people and those with businesses. And after the first year you just have to enter financial info and update any personal info that has changed.

thumper1

I'm DONE doing FAFSAs...woohoo!!!

ncmentor

I don't think it's hard to fill out the FAFSA. The problem is that when you hit that final submit button you know that the number that comes up has nothing to do with the reality of what your family can afford. Who would not hate filling out a form with a "Your Scre---" button at the end.

Why not have a form that says take your Gross Income and multiply by 1/3 and thats what we think you can afford, it would be just as stupid, fair, and unfair as what we have today.

romanigypsyeyes

Our family income is under 20k this year, although next year it will probably be in the mid-20s range. I didn't find FAFSA at all hard to do, but I find this simplification (although I know very little about it) needed. I have to go and help friends all the time fill out their FAFSAs because they don't understand how to do it, and I can't imagine how many that financial aid people have to fix because of this, costing time and money.

It seems that with today's technology it should be almost an automatic process because almost everything is done online.