At the workshops, SUNY Sullivan’s Financial Aid staff discuss the various Title IV Federal Aid Programs, provide instructions on filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and review procedures for applying for the New York State TAP Grant. Computers are available for those who wish to complete the online FAFSA, and staff will assist families in doing so.
Students should also bring the following information to workshops
- Student and parent’s social security numbers
- Student and parent’s W-2 forms and other records of income earned for 2017
- Alien registration card (non-U.S. citizens) (if applicable)
- Student’s and parent’s 2017 Federal Income Tax Return
- 2017 untaxed income information
Free FAFSA Assistance Chatbot Available
At a time when FAFSA® workshops have been canceled and in-person assistance has been suspended because of covid-19, the need for virtual assistance is greater than ever. College Board has teamed up with Benefits Data Trust, a nonprofit partner, to offer a FAFSA chatbot to assist students nationwide. The chatbot, which is available by text message, addresses common barriers to completing the FAFSA, such as troubleshooting the FSA ID, deciding whose income to report, and more. The chatbot, which is available 24/7, answers students’ questions with guidance that is digestible and easy to understand.
Through August, all students can access the chatbot by texting “2020” to 267-578-3373. Students can find out more about the service and how to opt in at getfafsahelp.org/chatbot. To help spread the word about this amazing service, post the link on your institution’s website, include it in messages sent out by your registration and financial aid teams, or insert it as a custom message to students to receive before they test or on their individual student reports.