You’ve probably heard people talking about the government “shutting down.” Here is what it actually means for students trying to pay for college using the FAFSA
You Can Still Fill Out the FAFSA
Even during a government shutdown, the FAFSA website usually stays open. It’s considered an essential service, so you can still go online, fill it out, and submit it like normal.
There Might Be Some Delays
Here’s where a shutdown could make things a little slower. Some Department of Education employees might temporarily not work or get paid.
If that happens, FAFSA applications could take longer to process. And if the IRS is also affected, the Data Retrieval Tool — the part that helps pull in your tax info automatically — might not work right away. That could mean more waiting or having to enter info manually.
Your Aid Money Should Still Come
If you’re already getting financial aid for college your money should still arrive. Schools can still give out funds that were already approved.
But if the shutdown lasts a long time, it might slow down the process for new payments or reimbursements. So, while most students won’t notice much at first, a really long shutdown could eventually cause delays.
Some Verifications Could Be Slower
FAFSA checks certain things with other government systems — like tax info from the IRS or your Selective Service registration (for guys). If those systems are short-staffed, those checks could take longer than usual. Which will again take more time.
What You Can Do
Here are a few ways to stay on top of things during this shutdown:
- Submit your FAFSA early. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of avoiding delays.
- Check your email. If your school or FAFSA needs more info, respond fast so nothing holds up your aid.
- Stay updated. Your school’s financial aid office will share any major updates if the shutdown starts causing problems.
