The verification process may take up to 6 weeks to complete once you submit your documents to our office.  All documents should be submitted together - incomplete verification packets will be returned to the student via U.S. Mail.

We recommend you make payment arrangements with the Bursar to ensure you are not dropped from classes due to non-payment.  In addition, you should be prepared to purchase your books out-of-pocket or utilize the books on reserve at the college library until your aid is processed.

What is verification?
The U.S. Department of Education requires each college to collect certain documents from students and families who are requesting financial aid.  This process helps ensure that students are receiving the correct amount of financial aid based on their situation.

Why was I selected for verification?  Did I do something wrong?
About 30% of the Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education.  FAFSA’s selected for verification may include those indicating inaccurate or incomplete information, although most are selected on a random, lottery-type basis.  The financial aid office may select someone for verification in addition to those selected by the U.S. Department of Education to resolve conflicting information.

What do I need to do if I am selected for verification?
If you are selected for verification, you must complete and sign the verification worksheet and return it with signed copies of yours and your parents’/spouse’s 2008 federal tax returns.  If you do not have a copy of your 2008 federal tax return, you can obtain a tax transcript from the IRS by calling 1-800-829-1040.  If you indicated on your FAFSA that you will file taxes, but did not actually file taxes for 2008, you must submit a Non-Filer verification form, also available from the IRS. Other documents may be requested based upon your individual situation.  All documents should be submitted together - incomplete verification packets will be returned to the student via U.S. Mail.

What if I do not turn in my verification packet or if it is incomplete?
It is to the student’s benefit to respond to and complete the verification process as quickly as possible because no packaging, awarding, and disbursement of aid (including loans) may be made until it is completed. Participation in the verification process is not optional. Failure to comply with and complete the verification process may result in cancellation of any financial aid awarded. All documents should be submitted together - incomplete verification packets will be returned to the student via U.S. Mail.

What happens after I submit my complete verification packet?
The verification process takes approximately 6 weeks to complete after all the required documentation has been submitted. The financial aid office will review your federal tax returns and other submitted material and compare them with the information you submitted on the FAFSA. If there are any differences found between information reported in the FAFSA and actual figures reported in tax returns and other required documentation, adjustments may be made to your FAFSA.

After the review process is complete, the student’s financial aid awards will be generated. The student will receive notification via their Ivy Tech email account when award information is available in the Awards section of Online Student Self-Service accessible through Campus Connect.

Delays which may occur due to late submission of verification documents:

• No financial aid grant funds may be credited or disbursed until the verification process is complete and your eligibility is determined.
• Postponement you and your family’s ability to finalize your plans on how to pay for your college education.
• Financial aid cannot be posted against your Ivy Tech bill until verification is completed. This may result in you having to pay the entire bill when due, late fees, and cancellation of registration.

Changes which may occur due to verification:

• Student status change may affect residency, dependent/independent status, and other qualifiers for eligibility.
• Change in EFC may affect eligibility requirements for receiving Pell and other grants as well as other types of aid.