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A Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) is a unique identifier that you can use to log in to Department of Education websites.
You'll need this ID to fill out the FAFSA online, view your financial aid history, accept loans, and select student loan repayment plans.
The sooner you set up your FSA ID, the easier it will be for you to manage everything related to loans and grants. Let's look at how to set up your FSA ID.
Setting up FSA ID
To set up your FSA ID, you will need a personal email address and your Social Security Number (SSN). From there you need to follow these steps:
- Go to StudentAid.gov and select the blue “Create Account” button.
- Enter your full name, date of birth and SSN in the form. If you do not have an SSN, you will need to confirm that you are either completing the form on behalf of your child (who is a United States citizen) or that you are a citizen without a Social Security number.
- Choose your communication preference (email or post). The Department of Education will use this contact information to send you information about your financial aid, repayment plans, and more.
- Select four challenge questions and answers. These questions will help you recover your FSA ID if you forget your username or password.
- Review all of your information and edit if necessary. This includes verifying your email address and phone number so you can set up multi-factor authentication.
Setting up multi-factor authentication
Select the “Confirm” button next to your phone number and email address. You will then receive a 6-digit code to enter on the website. Multi-factor authentication ensures that your FSA ID is truly secure and can reduce the likelihood of identity theft. There is also the option to set up an authentication app as a second authentication factor.
You and your children need an FSA card
Parents filling out the FAFSA and any of their college-going children each need a unique FSA ID. If you are a parent, use your FSA ID to complete the FAFSA. Students use their FSA ID to check financial aid, take out loans, and set up student loan repayment options.
Resetting your password
You can reset or recover a forgotten username or password by going to StudentAid.gov. When logging in, select the account search option. To restore, you will need to provide your username, email address or phone number. You must also provide the month and day of your birthday. With this information you will be given the opportunity to reset your password.
The recovery process is pretty simple, but it may be better to save the password in a password manager so the information stays safe.
Why you need an FSA ID
An FSA ID is not essential to completing the FAFSA, but it makes it much easier to correct errors, track progress, link your FAFSA to financial aid history, and more. The FSA ID can serve as a legal signature when you fill out the FAFSA or sign the Master Promissory Note, the legal document you sign when taking out a student loan.
You also use your FSA ID to complete loan initiation and exit counseling, view loan and grant information, apply for Direct PLUS loans, and apply for public service loan forgiveness.
Even if you make a concerted effort to get rid of your student debt quickly, you'll likely need your FSA card for a decade. If you choose an income-driven repayment plan, you may need the FSA ID for several decades.
Final findings
Whether you're applying to college for the first time or looking to change your student loan repayment plan, an FSA ID will help you find information and take action. Setting up the FSA ID takes just a few minutes and helps you through every step of the student loan borrowing and repayment process.
Create your very own Auto Publish News/Blog Site and Earn Passive Income in Just 4 Easy Steps
