FSA IDs

We mentioned this in one of the previous blog posts, but one of the new features on the FAFSA this year is the FSA ID. If you haven't signed up for one before, you have to now - it's replaced the PIN. Both you (the student) and your parent need one, and to make the account all you have to do is head to fsaid.ed.gov. Here are some tips to setting up your FSA ID, and avoiding any issues that will make you have to go through their lengthy identity verification process in order to reset your account.

1) MAKE SURE YOUR NAME MATCHES ALL SOCIAL SECURITY DOCUMENTS
A common mistake made in establishing an FSA ID is using a nickname. You have to use your legal name on these, so make sure whatever you put down matches your social security card. If you don't use your legal name, it can be a massive hassle to call the help hotline and get it changed.

2) USE SEPARATE EMAIL ADDRESSES
The student and the parent need their own FSA IDs, and each account needs its own email address. Use whatever email address you use most frequently, and remember if you're a student using your high school email, these accounts often disappear when you graduate so consider setting up a gmail account.

3) SELECT SECURITY QUESTIONS YOU'LL REMEMBER
You don't have to sign up with email. While this is the easiest way to regain access to your FSA account if you ever forget your password, email may not be a viable option for you for a number of reasons. If this is the case, you'll have to select a few security questions to answer every time you log in. Make sure you remember the answer to these - write them down, even - because if you forget you'll have to call the helpline, which can be very frustrating.

4) WRITE DOWN YOUR ID AND PASSWORDS, BUT KEEP THEM SECURE
Because the FSA application asks for so many different answers (even a date special to you!) we recommend keeping track of what you've answered for future years. But remember - and this is especially for students - keep your passwords secure. This means either writing them on paper and keeping them at home with mom and dad, or using a password manager like LastPass. Studies show that young people are four times more likely than other age groups to have their identities stolen by people they know, which is especially concerning given that college students are already at the highest risk for identity theft. The best way to prevent this is always logging out of your accounts, disabling your devices from automatically logging in to public WiFi, and protecting your passwords.

The FSA ID can be a very frustrating process, so if you need to come in and get help or give us a call we'd love to help you out! Keep in mind that we have no control over the process, though, and may need to direct you to the federal helpline. Let us know if you have any questions, or tips for other students.