Applying for Aid

By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students will be considered for the PELL Grant, SEOG, and Work-Study depending on the eligibility of the student. The FAFSA applications are made available in the Financial Aid Office at Cleveland Community College and can be accessed via the Internet at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

When completing the FAFSA, students must take their time and read all instructions. Students must understand any inaccurate information will significantly delay processing of the applications. Students should pay extra attention to the following steps:

Step 1:        Personal financial information.
A copy of your tax return (1040, 1040A,etc.), all W-2's and statements of all other monies received (ex. child support, social security, AFDC, etc.) will be required. NOTE:  If you are under the age of 24 and single with no dependents you will need the same information from your parents.  If you do not have a copy of your tax returns, you may contact your accountant or call 1-800-829-1040 and request a transcript of that tax return to be mailed to your home.
If you are applying for the 2006-2007 school year (Fall 2006, Spring 2007, Summer 2007) you will need your 2005 tax information.  



Step 2:        There are two procedures available to Complete and file the FAFSA.

Procedure 1.    Complete the FAFSA on the Web.  The web site is located at www.fafsa.ed.gov and allows you to file your application electronically.  The instructions are easy to follow as you complete the application online.  Before you submit your application online, you will need to print a signature page.  Make sure you mail the signature page to the Department of Education.  After you complete and submit your application online, you will receive an “Acknowledgment Report” from the Department of Education within seven to ten days. Cleveland Community College’s school code (008082) must be added to your application.  
OR

Procedure 2.    Complete the paper copy of the FAFSA and mail it to the Department of Education in the envelope provided with the application.  Financial documentation is not required when you mail the FAFSA; however the documentation may be required at a later date.  You will receive the  "Student Aid Report (SAR)" from the Department of Education in two to four weeks.

The Financial Aid Department is available to assist any student in completing the FAFSA.

If you are transferring to Cleveland from another college where you received financial aid, you must call 1-800-433-3243 to add Cleveland’s school code (008082).  The process of adding the school code will take three to five days.  Cleveland will have access to your application at this time.  You will be notified by Cleveland concerning what to do next.



Step 3:        Process Time
The processing time for your application may be up to four weeks.  Once Cleveland Community College has received your FAFSA application from the Department of Education, the Financial Aid Department will notify you.  During this time you will receive the Acknowledgment Report from the Department of Education (This Acknowledgment Report is colored coded on yellow paper).  Additional documentation may be required to complete your financial aid file.  You will be contacted by Cleveland concerning the status of your file.



Step 4:        Return the Award Letter
Cleveland will send an “Award Letter” once your financial aid file is complete and the Department of Education has approved your application for financial assistance.  The Award Letter packet contains important information and must be read carefully.  It will be your responsibility to know the rules and regulations associated with the receipt of financial aid.  Your signature is required on the Award Letter.  The signature verifies that you understand the rules and regulations concerning financial aid and that you agree to accept the financial aid.

NOTE:  Financial Aid can not be awarded until Cleveland’s Financial Aid Department has the signed Award Letter.
 

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