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Application and Verification Guide
Volume 1: Student Eligibility
Volume 2: School and Program Eligibility
Volume 3: Awarding, Packaging, and Originating
Volume 4: Disbursements & Cash Management
Volume 5: Overpayments, Overawards and Withdrawals
Volume 6:Campus-based Programs
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This is a test site intended for use by the Office of Federal Student Aid. For the FSA Handbook files on the Web, go to the current Handbook page.

2004-2005 FSA Handbook

HANDBOOK HOME

Master File : 04-05
[To be posted in Spring of 2004]

Each volume of the Handbook will also be posted as a separate PDF File as soon as it is completed (below). Go to the Volume itself if you want to view individual chapters, and check new announcements and Dear Colleague Letters that have been issued since the Handbook was published.

Handbook Volumes

Related FSA Systems

Application & Verification Guide  

Now Available!
PDF Size approx 450KB, 66 pages
Topics: Processing the FAFSA, output documents (SAR & ISIR), deadlines, filling out the FAFSA correctly, calculating the EFC, verification, corrections/updates/adjustments,

Volume 1 - Student Eligibility  
Coming Soon!
Topics: Citizenship, Selective Service, Social Security Number, default status, drug convictions, home schooling, ability to benefit, satisfactory progress, and other academic eligibility issues; specific eligibility requirements for Pell, Stafford, and Campus-based programs.
  • FAA Access to CPS Web site -- Most FSA eligibility criteria, such as citizenship, are checked electronically with other federal agencies, with any conflicts reported to you through the ISIR.
  • NSLDS for FAAs Web site -- check student Financial Aid History and update enrollment information.
Volume 2 - School Eligibility & Operations  
Now Available!
PDF Size 1.92 MB, 377 pages
Topics: Updating information about your school's locations, ownership, or programs; electronic participation requirements; enrollment reporting to NSLDS; student consumer information requirements; recordkeeping and disclosure of personal information; administrative capability; financial responsibility; anti-lobbying requirements; anti-drug abuse requirements; audits and program reviews.
  • E-App for Schools. Web site -- View and update your school's information. (Some changes will require review by ED staff.)
  • Student Aid Internet Gateway Web site -- set up and manage access to your school's SAIG electronic mailbox for to exchange student data with the Department's systems (COD, NSLDS, eCampus-Based, etc.).
  • EZ-Audits Web site -- to submit audits required by the FSA regulations.
Volume 3 - Calculating Awards & Packaging  

Topics: Discusses time-frames (academic calendars, weeks of instruction, terms, and payment periods), cost of attendance, Pell and Stafford calculations and maximums, selecting recipients and awarding Campus-Based aid, and packaging to meet financial need.
Chapter 4 - Processing Aid & Managing FSA Funds  

Topics: Discusses COD reporting, the loan process and the Master Promissory Note, rules for disbursing aid to students and parents, excess cash, required notifications and authorizations, and other cash management rules.
  • COD Web site -- enter origination or disbursement data directly through the Internet, or use the Pell/DL modules of EDExpress (or similar software) and submit through your school's SAIG mailbox.
  • GAPS Web site -- request Pell, Direct Loan, and Campus-Based funds from ED.
Chapter 5 - Overawards, Overpayments, & Withdrawal Calculations  

Topics: Discusses post-disbursement changes to a student's award, including Return of Aid to the FSA programs and Post-Withdrawal Disbursements to the student.
  • COD Web site -- update individual Pell or Direct Loan awards directly through the Internet, or make the change through the Pell/DL modules of EDExpress (or similar software) and submit through your school's SAIG mailbox.
Chapter 6 - Campus-Based Programs  

Topics:Discusses topics that are unique to the campus-based programs, such as the terms and conditions of Perkins loans, due diligence in making and servicing the loans, administering a work-study program, community service work, and job location and development.
  • eCampus-Based Web site -- use this site to submit the annual FISAP application and report for Campus-Based funds.


Revised 4-7-2004