How to Apply

Step 1

Apply early! At least 4 to 6 weeks before the semester that you plan to enroll.

NOTE: Wiregrass School Code for all campus locations: 005256

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov.

1. Create an FAFSA User ID and password which is called an FSA ID.
   • All students will create an FSA ID on your first visit to the FAFSA website. Please make a note of your user ID and password, as you will need this information each time you login. After creating an account, it will take 1-3 days for your information to be verified by the Social Security Administration (SSA) before you can complete the FAFSA."
   • For dependent students, both the student and a parent need an FSA ID to electronically complete and sign the FAFSA. After creating an account, it will take 1-3 days for your information to be verified by the Social Security Administration (SSA) before you can complete the FAFSA."
   • If you already have an FSA ID but have lost the information, select “Forgot My Username” or “Forgot My Password.” You will be required to reset your Password. Use this link if you are still having trouble logging back into your Student Aid account: https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/help-accessing-account-fsa-id Can the numbering be changed here? Under step 1 there is 1 and under that t
   • NOTE: If you use the Challenge Question option to reset your password, you must wait 30 minutes before using the new password.
   • QUICK TIP: Add your cell phone number for quicker retrieval of your Username and to reset of your password.
2. Consent and Approval to Retrieve and Disclose Federal Tax Information
   • Consent and approval from each participant on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form are needed to retrieve and disclose federal tax information. With consent and approval, the U.S. Department of Education can obtain your federal tax information directly from the IRS to help complete the FAFSA form. If consent and approval are not provided by the student and all contributors on the FAFSA form, the student will not be eligible for federal student aid, including grants and loans. All participants must provide consent and approval even if they didn’t file a U.S. federal tax return or any tax return at all.
   • Providing consent and approval may reduce the time it takes to fill out the financial section of the FAFSA form. By electronically importing federal tax information, the application will have the most up-todate data. Once consent and approval are provided, the transfer of tax information will begin. Consent and approval will remain in place for the processing cycle. Consent and approval must be provided every year the FAFSA form is completed.
3. The FAFSA must be renewed once each year and is available on October 1.
   • You should select the Renewal FAFSA if you have a completed FAFSA for the previous year. The Renewal FAFSA will pre-populate some of your information.
   • The FAFSA uses income information from two years back.
   • FAFSA results are sent to the applicant through an online Student Aid Report (SAR) or by mail; as well as, electronically to the college(s) whose school code is on the FAFSA.
4. Get Answers to Your FAFSA questions.
   • Help is available at each campus location and by phone at 229-333-2107. Help is also available by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or online at https://studentaid.gov/help-center/contact.
5. Applicants who are unable to or who do not wish to complete the FAFSA may apply for state financial aid by completing the Georgia Student Financial Aid Application (GSFAPP) online at https://www.gafutures.org/. Unlike the GSFAPP, the FAFSA considers federal and state financial aid opportunities for students. WGTC recommends completing both the FAFSA and GSFAPP.

Step 2

Check Your Status at MyBanWeb

1. Allow 10 days for your FAFSA application to process.
2. Login to your MyBanWeb account.
   • Click on Student Services & Financial Aid and select Financial Aid.
   • Scroll down and click on My Overall Status of Financial Aid and select the current FAFSA aid year and submit
   • Click on My Eligibility and select Student Requirements. Here you may view the status of your financial aid application and check to see if you have been selected for a process called verification.
     • If selected, you will see “VERIFY” and will be notified by e-mail to create a “Student Forms Account” to review your task list to determine what items are needed to complete verification.
     • Once your account is created, your WGTC login credentials can be used. If you are dependent student, your parent will also be prompted to create an account to electronically sign your documents.
     • You may scan or snap a picture of your documents with your phone. Ensure each document is legible and complete. Then, you are ready to upload your item through the verification portal. Once all your items are satisfied, each task will have a check mark next to it.

Applications and More Information

• FAFSA on the Web
• IRS Contact Information
• Apply for the Georgia HOPE Grant or Scholarship
• Apply for VA Benefits

Please email financialaid@wiregrass.edu or call (229) 333-2107 if you need assistance.