The federal government selects some FAFSA applications for verification. When a student is selected, federal law requires SF to confirm the information reported on the FAFSA before issuing an aid offer. A selected student does not receive an aid offer until verification is complete.
What Verification Checks
A student may be selected for financial verification, identity verification, or both. Financial verification confirms the income and family-size information reported on the FAFSA. Identity verification confirms the student is who they say they are. Each one has its own required documents and submission steps.
How a Student Finds Out
When a student is selected, SF sends a notification to the student's SF email account, plus a text message if the student opted in for texts. The Financial Aid Portal in eSantaFe [WEB LINK: eSantaFe login] lists the specific documents the student needs to submit. A student should check the portal regularly, since additional documents can be added as the review progresses.
Review and Completion
SF reviews documents once all required items are in. Review time varies with volume and runs longer at peak periods around the start of a semester. Verification is time-sensitive, so a student should submit early enough that aid is ready before the fee due date. A student who does not complete verification will not receive an aid offer and may owe tuition out of pocket. If something is incomplete, illegible, or conflicts with FAFSA data, more requests appear on the portal. Once verification is complete and no other requirements remain, the aid offer appears in the Financial Aid Portal.
A student who is unsure where their review stands should contact the Financial Aid Office.