Verification plays an important role in ensuring that the correct amount of Title IV funds are disbursed to each eligible student. The purpose of this document is to provide the process HUHS uses to verify and confirm the accuracy of data reported on a student’s Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA).
Because students sometimes make errors on their application, there is a process for verifying each application. HUHS has the authority to contact students for documentation that supports income and other information reported on the FAFSA. The accuracy of these documents will be verified and checked for all applications the Central Processing System (CPS) selects for verification unless the student is receiving unsubsidized loans only. The CPS will select applicants for verification based on edit checks which identify inconsistencies and/or potential errors. HUHS must also verify any applications the University has reason to believe is incorrect or discrepant.
Verification must be completed for a selected student before exercising professional judgment to adjust any values that are used to calculate the EFC.
Verification Exclusions: A selected applicant may be exempt from some or all of the verification requirements due to unusual circumstances, such as:
- Death of the student
- Student was not an aid recipient. The student won’t receive Title IV aid for reasons other than a failure to complete verification.
- Applicant is eligible to receive only unsubsidized student financial assistance (e.g. Unsubsidized Direct Loans, PLUS Loans or TEACH Grants).
- Student was selected for verification and is no longer enrolled at HUHS.
NOTE: When a student has been selected for verification and is excluded, the reason for exclusion must be documented as to the basis for exclusion in the University’s records.
All financial aid applicants should file federal income tax returns for applicant, parent and/or spouse as applicable, prior to completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will allow students and prospective students to utilize the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) when completing the FAFSA. The IRS DRT saves time and increases the accuracy of the financial information collected on the FAFSA. The IRS DRT is also the fastest and most secure solution for meeting the income verification requirement if applicable.
Students selected for verification will receive a notification from the HUHS Financial Aid portal. The Verification Worksheet is an e-form that should be completed within the portal and all other required documentation should be uploaded to the student’s account on the financial aid portal. Once the student receives the notification that verification documents are required, he/she should complete the process within 30 days. Failure to submit all required documents within 30 days may result in the need for the student to make an alternate payment plan for tuition and fees. Items to be verified could include, but are not limited to, household size, number currently enrolled in college; for tax filers – student/spouse adjusted gross income (AGI), student spouse income tax paid, parent(s) adjusted gross income (AGI), parent(s) income tax paid, verifiable untaxed income and benefits for student/spouse or parent(s); for non-tax filers, student/spouse/father/mother earnings; high school completion status; student’s identity; and Statement of Educational Purpose (SEP).
The data reported on the verification worksheet, federal tax transcript and other supporting documentation provided is checked against the appropriate data elements on the FAFSA. All conflicting information will need to be corrected on the ISIR by the school or student, as applicable, and a new expected family contribution (EFC) will be calculated.
Students will not be awarded federal financial aid until verification is complete.
If HUHS receives a subsequent FAFSA for a student selected for verification after they have been initially awarded federal financial aid, all future disbursements will be placed on hold. If verification is not complete, all previously disbursed federal financial aid will be returned which will result in a balance due on the student account.
If HUHS receives a subsequent ISIR for which a student is not selected for verification but the changes affect overall financial aid eligibility, the financial aid award will be adjusted as applicable. The updated information may require a return of already received federal student aid funds resulting in a balance due on the student’s account. A student will be notified via email of any changes, updated aid information and/or additional requirements.
Referrals will be made to the Office of Inspector General should there be allegations of fraud or other criminal misconduct in connection with an applicant’s application for financial aid.
Financial Aid Deadlines
Below are the deadlines in which an unconditionally admitted student should have all required financial aid documents on file in order to enroll in an applicable term. Failure to submit all required documents by the deadline may result in the need for the student to make an alternate payment plan for tuition and fees until such time that all financial aid documentation has been received and approved by the University. .
Term Start Date Financial Aid Documents Deadline
August 16, 2021 July 30, 2021
January 10, 2022 December 22, 2021
June 6, 2022 May 13, 2022