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Verification

What is Verification?

The US Department of Education requires institutions to verify the accuracy of the information provided on a student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in an effort to assure federal aid is distributed to those who are eligible, this process is referred to as verification. Please be aware that the College is unable to process any need-based aid including but not limited to (Subsidized Loans, PELL, SEOG, Federal Work Study) until verification is complete.

The College may be required to verify any or all of the following criteria:

  • Household size (number of people in your household)
  • Number enrolled in college (number of household members attending a post-secondary educational institution at least half time)
  • Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or income earned from work if income is below minimum required for income tax filing
  • U.S. Income Tax Paid for the base year, such as:
  • Child Support Paid for the base year
  • Receipt of Food Stamps/SNAP benefits for base and prior year
  • High School Completion Status
  • Identity/Statement of educational purpose
  • Household Resources
      • Education Credits
      • Untaxed IRA distributions
      • Untaxed pensions
      • IRA deductions
      • Interest on tax free bonds

Who is selected for Verification?

The Department of Education establishes the requirements for verification and selection of applicants and notifies the financial aid applicant via the Student Aid Report (SAR). The College is also notified electronically that a student’s application has been selected for verification and will request that the student and/or parent(s) provide the required documentation. The College will always verify applicants who are selected for verification by the Department of Education. The College also reserves the right to select any other application for verification.

What are some of the verification documents?

Verification documents include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Verification Worksheet - Available on the Financial Aid Forms section of the Delaware Tech website
  2. Other income statements
  3. Other documents deemed necessary by the Financial Aid Office
  4. IRS Tax Return Information – please see instructions listed below:

The Financial Aid Office strongly encourages you to use the IRS DRT that is located within the FAFSA application. This option provides you with the fastest, easiest and most secure way to verify your tax data. Those who are unable to use this tool must send an IRS tax return transcript to the College. Please note this may result in a processing delay.

  • IRS Tax Return Transcript - There are three ways to request an IRS tax return transcript:

To obtain an IRS tax return transcript, go to www.IRS.gov and click on either "Get Transcript Online" or "Get Transcript by Mail" or call 1-800-908-9946. Make sure to request the "IRS tax return transcript" and not the "IRS tax account transcript." You will need your Social security Number, date of birth, and the address on file with the IRS (normally this will be the address used when your IRS tax return was filed.

If you filed your taxes electronically, it may take up to two weeks for IRS information to be available. If you filed by mail, it may take up to eight weeks for your information to be available. If you are married and you and your spouse filed separate tax returns, you must submit tax return transcripts for both you and your spouse.

PLEASE NOTE: 1040 TAX RETURNS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE

What do I do if I have amended my federal tax return?

If you have amended your tax return, you must submit both an IRS Tax Return Transcript (which will provide the original information) and a signed copy of the 1040X form that was filed.

What are your responsibilities for the verification process?

  1. You must provide all verification documentation as required by your circumstances, such as dependency status, marital status, etc.
  2. You must provide the verification documentation within 60 days of receipt of your SAR informing you that your application was selected for verification.

What happens after verification is complete?

Verification is complete only after all documentation is received and the Financial Aid Office renders your application complete and correct.

  1. If corrections are necessary as a result of the verification process, the College will make them electronically to the Department of Education. You are not required to make these corrections. Once a revised SAR is received by the College with the corrected information and you meet all other eligibility criteria for financial aid, you will be notified of your eligibility via email.
  2. If no corrections are needed after verification is complete and you meet all other eligibility criteria for financial aid, you will be notified of your eligibility via email.

What are the consequences of not completing the verification process?

You will not be considered eligible for awarding and receipt of any federal, state funds