The Verification Process

The process of Verification was instituted by the federal government. In this process, the U.S. Department of Education or Financial Aid Services selects a number of applicants whose information reported on the FAFSA must be confirmed according to very specific regulations. If you are selected for verification, a Verification Worksheet will be mailed to you. For the 2008-2009 school year, this worksheet must be completed, signed, and returned to UMass Dartmouth along with the following:

Dependent Students:

You must submit a signed copy of your 2007 federal tax return, including all schedules and attachments, as well as your 2007 W-2's from all employers. You must also submit a signed copy of your parents' 2007 federal tax return, including all schedules and attachments, and W-2's.

Independent Students:

You must submit a signed copy of your 2007 federal tax return, including all schedules and attachments, as well as your 2007 W-2's from all employers. If you are married, your spouse's 2007 federal tax form and W-2's are also required. Depending on the time of year, an estimated notice of award may be sent pending verification of your file. These estimated awards are tentative and all required documents must be received and reviewed before a actual financial aid award can be determined. Verification documents should be submitted as soon after notification as possible so that the verification process can be completed. Documents must be received by UMD at least one month prior to the last day a student is enrolled at least half-time to allow adequate time to review these documents. The verification process must be completed prior to the last day a student is enrolled at least half-time. If the student selected for verification is a Pell Grant recipient, the 2008-2009 verification process must be completed no later than sixty days after the last day of at least half-time enrollment or August 30, 2009, whichever is earlier.

 Last Updated On: 12/11/07