When students submit the FAFSA the federal government checks various federal databases to confirm that students are meeting all aid eligibility requirements. These searches are confirming that the student:
- is a citizen/eligible non-citizen
- that the name and date of birth match the social security number
- that they're registered with selective service
- that they do not have a drug conviction
- that they don't owe any aid overpayments
- that they have not exceeded aggregate loan limits
- that they are a veteran
- that they are not in default on a student loan
- that a student loan is not tied up in bankruptcy proceedings
- that someone else's aid history hasn't been attached to their social security number
- that loans have not been discharged due to a disability.
Discrepancies must be resolved before a student can be awarded aid.
