The Office of Student Financial Assistance announces important changes that students should know regarding the process for filling out and submitting the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).

Students, parents and borrowers are required to use an FSA ID, consisting of a username and password, to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites. The FSA ID is used to confirm their personal identity when accessing their financial aid information and electronically signing their federal student aid documents.

Only the owner of the FSA ID should create and use the account. The parent signing the FAFSA or requesting a Parent PLUS Loan must have an FSA ID as well. Never share your FSA ID.

About the FSA ID: The FSA ID ― a username and password ― has replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN and must be used to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID confirms your identity when you access your financial aid information and electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents.

If you do not already have an FSA ID, you can create one when logging in to fafsa.gov, the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) at www.nslds.ed.gov, www.StudentLoans.gov,  www.StudentAid.gov, and Agreement to Serve (ATS) at www.teach-ats.ed.gov.

Why students and parents need to create their own FSA IDs: Each year, more than 18 million people submit a FAFSA, and the U.S. Department of Education provides more than $150 billion dollars in federal student aid. To protect the integrity of this important financial system and the private data of all of the students, parents and borrowers within it, it’s essential that only the FSA ID owner create and use their account. (Source: U.S. Department of Education)

 Tool to help you with obtaining an FSA ID:

  • How to Create an FSA ID
  • FSA ID FAQs sheet
  • What is an FSA ID, and will I need it to complete the FAFSA?
  • Can my parent and I share the same FSA ID?
  • Do I need an FSA ID?
  • Do not wait. It may take up to three days to use your FSA ID from the date you apply.

    For additional information, please contact UCF’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at 407.823.2827 or visit: https://finaid.ucf.edu/.