FAFSA Submissions Can Now Be Done In October

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A major chance is coming to the financial aid process.

On Saturday, students can start submitting the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, for the 2017 – 2018 school year.

In years past, the filing period has begun on Jan. 1, but this year it applications will be accepted as soon as Oct. 1.

It's very important to get that application in early, because some financial aid is awarded first-come, first-serve. So, the money could be gone by the time students finally get their FAFSA filed.

All students should file the FAFSA, not just families with financial hardships, as some schools give students free money just for filling out the form.

This also applies to more than just high school seniors.

Here are some things students and parents can do now.

• Find your 2015 federal tax returns.
• Have recent bank statements handy.
• Know Social Security numbers and driver's license numbers.

It's free to fill out the FAFSA form, and it can be done online.

For more information, visit FASFA online.