Verification
Information on the Verification Process
- What is verification?
- Who is selected?
- Are there deadlines for verification?
- How do I submit documents?
- How do I verify tax information?
- What is the timeline for verification after I submit documents?
What Is Verification?
The U.S. Department of Education requires schools participating in federal student aid programs to verify information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for students selected for verification. Verification involves the review of tax documents and family size information for accuracy. To complete verification, students and parents, as applicable, may be asked to submit federal tax documentation, forms, and/or other additional documentation.
If you are selected for verification, you will be notified via your MIX email on your WVU Portal that you have unsatisfied requirements. Once you are selected, the verification process must be completed before WVU can offer and/or disburse financial aid.
Who Is Selected?
Any student who submits a FAFSA may be chosen for verification by the Department of Education.
*WVU reserves the right to select any student where there appears to be conflicting information.
Are There Deadlines for Verification?
WVU’s deadline for priority consideration for aid is March 1. To avoid a delay of your aid, verification must be completed by July 5, 2024 November 15, 2024 for the spring 2025 semester (of the 2024-2025 aid year) to allow processing time. Federal aid will not disburse if verification has not been completed. If verification is submitted past the above dates, you may be subject to penalties such as late fees (unless you have covered your balance due with other payment options).
Students selected for verification after financial aid has disbursed have 30 days to submit documentation. If verification is not submitted within 30 days, the financial aid offer will be cancelled until eligibility can be reestablished.
How Do I Submit Documents?
You can conveniently review your tasks for verification by logging into your StudentForms account using you WVU login credentials ( WVU Login username and password) to complete and submit documentation.
If this is your first time logging in, you will be asked to verify your first/last name, date of birth, and social security number. More information is available on the StudentForms Account webpage.
You must submit all requested documentation before the verification process can be completed and financial aid can be offered and/or disbursed.
How Do I Verify Tax Information?
Students and/or parents selected for the verification process often must provide confirmation of taxes filed. Instructions on how to verify income, what tax year you must verify, what to do if not required to file taxes, what to do if no income was earned, and more can be found on our Tax Information for Verification webpage.
What Is the Timeline for Verification after I Submit Documents?
Please allow five to seven business days after all documents have been submitted. The process may take longer if documents are incomplete or additional information is required.
If verification results in a change to your financial aid offer, you will receive notification via your MIX email. You can also view your Financial Aid Information via your WVU Portal at any time to review changes to your aid.