Completing the FAFSA

Step 1: Obtain PIN Number

Be sure you have your PIN number (and that your parents have their number(s) if your parents are required to sign). The PIN number is a 4 digit number used to sign FAFSA. Your federal PIN is not the same as the 4 digit code used to log into computers and the Student Portal at BIR.

If you do not remember your PIN If you do not have a PIN
1. Go to www.pin.ed.gov 1. Go to www.pin.ed.gov
2. Click “Request a Duplicate PIN” 2. Click “Apply for a PIN”
3. Make sure your information is correct. Enter your information. Then choose one of the three delivery methods. “Display Now” or “e-mail” are strongly encouraged methods. “Postal Mail” can take up to 14 days to arrive. 3. Enter your information. It is recommended that you enter an e-mail address to ensure the fastest processing.
4. If your parent does not remember his/her PIN, he/she can request a duplicate by following the same steps. 4. If your parent needs a PIN, he/she can apply by following the same steps. *If they are not US Citizens, please contact Financial Aid to ask how your parents can sign your FAFSA.

Step 2: Gather Required Information

  • Your Social Security Number and your parent’s Social Security Numbers if you are providing parent information.
  • Your driver’s license number if you have one.
  • Your Alien Registration Number if you are not a US citizen and your parent’s Alien Registration Numbers if you are providing parent information.
  • Federal tax information or tax returns, and/or W2s for the most recent tax year for yourself, for your spouse if you are married, and for your parents if you are providing parent information.
  • Records of untaxed income, such as Social Security benefits, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and veterans benefits, for yourself (and for your parents if you are providing parent information); and information on savings, investments, and business and farm assets for yourself (and for your parents if you are providing parent information).

Step 3: Complete the FAFSA

  • Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov
  • Click “Fill Out Your FAFSA”
  • Choose the correct school year by following the date range.
  • Answer the questions.

Step 4: Sign the FAFSA with Your PIN

  • Enter your PIN number at the end of your application to submit your FAFSA. You should see a confirmation screen when you are finished that tells you your FAFSA was successfully submitted.
  • If your parents are required to sign, they can go to www.fafsa.ed.gov after you receive your confirmation and click “Sign Electronically with your PIN”.

Step 5: Follow Up on Your FAFSA

  • Your application will be processed and you will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) by e-mail or by mail. You should review your SAR for any necessary corrections or updates.
  • Financial Aid will electronically receive your application and review your award package.
  • If you do not receive a SAR or have not been contacted by BIR, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and select “Check the Status of a Submitted FAFSA”, call 1-800-4-FED-AID, or call BIR’s Financial Aid office.

There is Free Help Available

Online: There are “Help” buttons on every page of the online FAFSA application. You can also click the “Live Help” button to chat with a customer service representative directly online between the hours of 7am and 11pm Central time.

By Phone: For help toll-free between the hours of 7am and 11pm Central time, call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

In Person: Contact the Financial Aid office at BIR Training Center at 773-866-0111 to make an appointment.