Verification

Every year, the Department of Education randomly selects students for verification. This process requires La Salle University to verify that the information on the FAFSA is accurate.

To perform this review, you will be asked to submit certain documentation to the Financial Aid office, but not limited to: Independent or Dependent Verification Worksheets, original tax return transcripts, copies of W2 forms, and proof of receipt of SNAP benefits (formerly known as Food Stamps).

How do I know if I have been selected?

When you receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Federal Processor, it will indicate that you have been selected for verification. You will also receive a letter from La Salle providing direction regarding the documentation that you are required to submit to the Financial Aid office.

How can Br. LUWIS help me in this process?

By logging in to the La Salle portal, you can see what documentation you need to submit within the Financial Aid section of Br. LUWIS. After you submit the required documents the Financial Aid office, you can confirm within Br. LUWIS that these documents have been logged as received.

Where can I obtain a verification worksheet?

You can print a Dependent or Independent Verification Worksheet from the Forms page.

I did not use the IRS Data Retrieval Tools when I filed my FAFSA. What should I do?

Students and parents who qualify to use the Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) but did not utilize this option when completing the FAFSA can log back in to the FAFSA and select the DRT option at this time.  Those who do not qualify for or opt not to use the DRT can obtain their IRS tax return transcript to supply for verification.  We cannot accept a copy of the income tax return (1040), only the tax return transcript. 

To obtain an IRS tax return transcript, go to www.IRS.gov and click on the “Get Transcript of Your Tax Records” link. You will need to create a new account or sign into a current account. Please make sure to request the IRS Tax Return Transcript. If you prefer, you can also call 1-800-908-9946 to request your IRS Tax Return Transcript. You will need your social security number, date of birth, and the address on file with the IRS (normally this will be the address used when the IRS tax return was filed).  It takes up to two weeks for IRS income information to be available for electronic IRS tax return filers, and up to eight weeks for paper IRS tax return filers.

What happens if I do not submit this documentation?

No financial aid will be awarded or credited towards your bill and you must make payment arrangements.

My parents filed for an extension for their tax return. Can an exception be made?

Unfortunately, Federal Aid Regulations do not permit any exceptions in this area.

I submitted my information. What happens next?

If all the information that you submitted on the FAFSA is accurate, the verification process will have no impact on your financial aid. If the information was inaccurate, then the correct information will be used in the calculation of your eligibility for financial aid. The verification process can take up to 4 weeks once all required documents are submitted to the Financial Aid office.

Repackaging will occur as necessary due to verification, if additional outside funding is received, or any other eligibility items are changed since initial packaging.  Repackaging is not required after enrollment is frozen on the financial aid census date.  Students will be notified via mail with a revised Award Letter upon any change in the student’s award package.