Free Help For Students, Parents Filing The FAFSA

INDIANAPOLIS — This Sunday, students who want to attend college and their parents can get free help filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

“Far too often families don’t know who to ask for help with their FAFSA,” said Bill Wozniak, co-chair of College Goal Sunday. “This event helps families across the state file the FAFSA, and brings students one step closer to fulfilling their educational goals.”

Financial aid professionals will provide college-bound students with free assistance on Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. at 42 sites in Indiana for College Goal Sunday. Wozniak said Indiana Student Financial Aid Association started this program 27 years ago for the purpose of helping students and families fill the FAFSA form.

“A lot of times families are intimidated and they are sometimes embarrassed to ask for help,” said Wozniak.

Throughout the years, College Goal Sunday has helped more than 90,000 Indiana students and families complete the FAFSA properly and on time.

“If our assistance gives students a better chance at higher education, we’re fulfilling our mission,” said Wozniak.

Students must attend College Goal Sunday with their parents or guardians. They need to bring completed 2015 IRS 1040 tax returns, W-2 forms and other 2015 income and benefits information. Students who worked last year should bring their income information as well. Students who are 24 years old or older may attend alone and bring their own completed 2015 IRS 1040 tax return, W-2 form, and other income information.

Gov. Mike Pence proclaimed Feb. 21 through Feb. 27 as the Financial Aid Awareness Week to honor Indiana Student Financial Aid Association for helping Indiana students file the FAFSA.

“We are so pleased and honored that Gov. Pence made that proclamation.…” said Wozniak. “Proclaiming a week Financial Aid Awareness Week points out how important this is to Hoosiers and families, and how the financial aid process is such an important part of more Hoosiers getting education, post-secondary education and with less debt.”

For more information about College Goal Sunday and locations for FAFSA help click here.

Gary Qi is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.