Verification

Verification is a routine process schools use to confirm the information reported on your FAFSA. If you’ve been selected for verification, continue reading more about the process and your next steps.

What It Means To Be Selected for Verification

The first thing you should know if you’re selected for verification is that it’s a routine process—you did nothing wrong. The U.S. Department of Education randomly selects students for verification. To complete the process, you must submit additional documentation to The Office of Student Enrollment and Account Management confirming the information reported on your FAFSA.

Once SEAM receives all documents, our office will review the data and compare it to the information on your original FAFSA. If necessary, our office will make corrections and send them to the federal government. You will receive an email if the modifications impact your federal aid eligibility.

While graduate students are ineligible for most subsidized Title IV aid, they are eligible for Federal Work Study. They must complete verification if they are selected and receive that aid. Students eligible for subsidized and unsubsidized Title IV aid may not avoid verification by accepting only unsubsidized aid; they must complete verification to receive any Title IV aid.

SEAM can only guarantee that your aid will be disbursed by the first day of fall courses if you submit all requested materials by August 1.

Three Steps to Complete Verification

1. Check your financial aid to-do list. Once you’re notified that you’re selected for verification, log in to SIS and review your financial aid To-Do List for a list of requirements. Document requirements are different for each student.
2. Sign and submit verification forms electronically. Most verification forms are available to sign and submit electronically using DocuSign. Follow the instructions when you click the links in your financial aid To-Do List.
3. Submit any additional verification documents via SIS. Other requirements, including tax forms and other IRS documentation, may be submitted using the secure upload tool in SIS. After logging in to SIS, hover over “Financial Aid.” Click “Online Forms,” then select “FA – Document Upload Form.”

Forms and Resources

Each student selected for verification has different documentation requirements. Check your financial aid To-Do List in SIS for your specific requirements. Select the tabs below for copies of the most commonly requested forms

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I submit the required verification documents?

Most verification forms are available to sign and submit electronically using DocuSign. Follow the instructions that appear when you click the links above.

Other requirements, including tax forms and other IRS documentation, may be submitted using the secure upload tool in SIS. NOTE: To protect your personal information, DO NOT email documents to SEAM.

If you are required to submit the Verification of Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose, use a notary or submit it in person. Please contact SEAM if you have any questions or concerns about completing this requirement.

How do I complete the Household Verification Worksheet? Who should I include?

The Household Verification Worksheet confirms the number of people in your household and their college enrollment status. Graduate students may submit the DocuSign version of the form.

If you are a dependent student, the worksheet should list the following:

• You
• Your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) (including stepparents)
• Other children or individuals who live in your household
• If your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will provide more than half of their support during the academic year

Note: If your parents are divorced or separated, you should only include the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) you live with for more than half of the academic year and their household.

If you are an independent student, the worksheet should list the following:

• You
• Your spouse (if married)
• Your children and other individuals who live with you (if any, and if you will provide more than half of their support during the academic year)

Do I have to submit documentation from the IRS? How do I request that information? What if I cannot obtain the requested documentation?

In many cases, signed IRS Tax Return documents are sufficient to complete verification. However, SEAM may request that you obtain tax return transcripts or verification letters from the IRS. You should request documentation online through the IRS Get Transcript service. Watch this video to learn more about the online transcript request process.

If you have any concerns about obtaining the required documentation, or if you do not think you will be able to submit the requirements, contact SEAM to discuss your options.

Will verification impact my financial aid eligibility?

Your financial aid will not be disbursed until verification documents are submitted and processed. Please submit documents by August 1 to avoid any delays in disbursement. If you do not submit verification materials by the end of the academic year, you may have your aid canceled.

Your federal financial aid eligibility may be affected if SEAM is required to correct your FAFSA based on your submitted documents. You will receive an email to your Hopkins address if there are any changes to your eligibility.

If you are an undergraduate student and your federal aid is reduced, Hopkins will help you meet your needs with scholarships and student employment.