Editing FAFSA (section)

=== 2024 changes ===
{{AI-generated|date=May 2024}}
In 2024, the Department of Education made substantial changes to FAFSA in response to the [[FAFSA Simplification Act in 2020]]. Some of these changes were initially plagued with technical errors and glitches, causing significant delays in the release of data to colleges and universities and considerable confusion and frustration among parents and students. Students from disadvantaged groups and low-income backgrounds are among the vulnerable student demographics who were disproportionately impacted by the technical obstacles. These students might not have access to the tools or assistance they need to deal with the challenges of submitting a financial aid application.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-18 |title=Why students applying for college financial aid are facing new technical hurdles |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/why-students-applying-for-college-financial-aid-are-facing-new-technical-hurdles |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=PBS NewsHour |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-20 |title=Getting to College: FAFSA Challenges for First-Gen Students {{!}} Harvard Graduate School of Education |url=https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/edcast/24/03/getting-college-fafsa-challenges-first-gen-students |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=www.gse.harvard.edu |language=en}}</ref>

The problems with the FAFSA resulted in a congressional hearing where witnesses reported that the multiple errors and delays in releasing data to colleges and universities could significantly diminish enrollment. [[Richard Cordray]], the Department of Education employee in charge of Federal Student Aid, subsequently announced his resignation at the end of June.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2024/04/26/amid-fafsa-crisis-richard-corday-steps-down/73469057007/ |title=Top Education Department official steps down amid crisis over college financial aid |publisher=[[USA Today]] |first1=Zachary |last1=Schermele |first2=Alia |last2=Wong |date=April 28, 2024 |accessdate=May 3, 2024}}</ref>

In order to fill out the FAFSA, parents and students must create an FSA ID. Inconsistent personal information caused problems for some individuals surrounding ID verification, including errors in names, addresses, and other information, which has led to delays in the processing of applications for financial assistance.

Students from disadvantaged groups and low-income backgrounds are thought to be disproportionately impacted by the technical obstacles. Many are urging changes to the FAFSA application process in order to resolve these technical issues and guarantee fair access to financial assistance. They contend that students are unfairly burdened by the current system, especially those who already face obstacles to pursuing higher education. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-18 |title=Why students applying for college financial aid are facing new technical hurdles |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/why-students-applying-for-college-financial-aid-are-facing-new-technical-hurdles |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=PBS NewsHour |language=en-us}}</ref>