The Department of Education has regulations to ensure only eligible students receive financial aid. The verification process confirms the data provided on the FAFSA. Submit all requested items as quickly as possible since the financial aid file cannot be reviewed or completed until verification is complete. If there are any differences found between information reported on the FAFSA and the actual figures provided in the verification documents, Sandburg will submit the corrections on the student's behalf. The financial aid award will be based on the corrected information.

How will I know if I am selected for verification?

The financial aid file may have been selected for verification randomly by the federal processor, or because the file appears to have errors or conflicting information. It could also be selected by the financial aid office. If the file is selected by the federal processor, there will be an asterisk (*) next to the Student Aid Index (SAI). If selected for verification by Sandburg, our office will notify the student. 

What documents do I need to submit?

If the Student Aid Report (SAR) has been selected for verification, Sandburg will add the required documents in the mySandburg account. If documents have not arrived after a few weeks, our office will mail the forms to the student's home address. Not all applicants will be asked to submit the same documents. Students may be asked to provide different documents than submitted in previous years.

Verification documents may include IRS tax transcripts, a completed verification worksheet or other documents. In some circumstances, students may be requested to go back to the FAFSA application and use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to download income information. If a student is unable to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, they may submit an IRS tax return transcript by contacting the IRS. Students may no longer submit copies of tax returns (IRS 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ).  

If I'm selected for verification, am I required to send additional documentation?

A student's file will not be complete until all requested documents are received and processed by the Financial Aid Office. The verification process may delay the awarding of financial assistance if corrections need to be submitted to the federal processor.  

Deadline to complete verification

Please be sure to respond to requests for documentation in a timely manner to avoid delays in processing and applying financial aid to student accounts. Students must provide the required documentation as soon as possible, but no later than three weeks prior to the end of the semester or before withdrawing from classes.

The majority of financial aid funds are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis and until the missing items are submitted to our office, processing of financial aid is not possible. If documents are not returned in a timely manner, Sandburg cannot guarantee the student will receive financial aid.

How do I submit the requested documents?

  • Please submit all documents with your student name and ID written clearly at the top of each page.
  • Do not submit original documents unless told to do so.
  • Make copies of what is submitted.
  • To submit verification documents, bring them to the Financial Aid Office, fax them to 309.344.2529, or e-mail them to finaid@sandburg.edu.

CONTACT US

Financial Aid Office
Galesburg campus, E101
309.341.5283
finaid@sandburg.edu