FAFSA Support

Beginning in 2024, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application process was updated by the U.S. Department of Education. Learn more about the FAFSA Simplification Act.
 

Thumbnail of FAFSA Simplification Overview

The FAFSA Simplification Overview Playlist Features:

  • FAFSA Simplification Overview
  • Getting Started with the 2024 - 2025 FAFSA
  • 2024 - 2025 Student Section
  • 2024 - 2025 Contributor Section
  • Understanding the Student Aid Index (SAI)
  • ...and more!

Explore more videos via FAtv.

*2025-2026 videos will be shared as they become available.

Explore Frequently Asked Questions:

Select a question below to view the answer. You may also use the Ask Elbee Chatbot 24/7 or view the FAtv video library. Still need support? Contact CSULB Financial Aid and Scholarships.

  • Students and parents/guardians will not be able to access the FAFSA form without an FSA ID. Be sure to create your FSA ID if you haven't already.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number (SSN), find support via the U.S. Department of Education.
  • If you or a parent/guardian do not have a SSN, and are in the progress of validating your identity within the FAFSA process, you will still be able to submit your FAFSA app.
  • Students interested in learning more about the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) may connect with CSULB's Dream Success Center for additional support.

New FSA users who request a StudentAid.gov account and cannot validate their identity using the knowledge-based questions (as generated by TransUnion), may still complete the manual process to validate their identity. 

As of April 30, 2024 you will not need to wait for identity (for yourself or a family member) to be validated before submitting your FAFSA or CADAA. This means students or family members who do not have an assigned SSN may still submit their FAFSA/CADAA forms.
 

As of April 30, 2024 students or family members who do not have an assigned SSN may still submit their FAFSA/CADAA forms. Identity validation does not need to be fully completed before using an FSA account username and password to access and complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA.


Individuals awaiting the results of the identity validation process may use their StudentAid.gov account immediately.
 

When you submit your FAFSA, you will likely see an "in review" status. No action is needed as long as you received a confirmation email that your FAFSA was submitted.

First, view the U.S. Department of Education's Tips for Preparing to Fill out the 2024-2025 FAFSA.

While the U.S. Department of Education is the best source to help you with your individual FAFSA, you may seek general advice and support from CSULB's Financial Aid and Scholarships team.

Students interested in support with the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) may connect with CSULB's Dream Success Center.

This page will continue to be updated as resources and information become available. (Last Updated 11/20/2024).