FINANCIAL AID TIPS

THE FEDERAL AID "PIN"

What is a PIN and what is it used for?

Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) is an electronic access code number that serves as your personal identifier.

Your PIN allows you to:

• Apply online for federal student aid, using FAFSA on the Web.
• “Sign” your application electronically and complete the student aid process completely online—no paper is involved.
• If you’re a dependent student and one of your parents has a PIN, he or she can sign the application electronically online as well.
• Make online corrections to your FAFSA.
• Access your Student Aid Report* and make online corrections to it.
• “Sign” a master promissory note* for a federal student loan.
• Access your federal student aid records online, including your student loan history information on NSLDS.

How and when should I get a PIN?

How and when should I get a PIN? Go to www.pin.ed.gov anytime—you don’t have to wait until you’re ready to apply for federal student aid. You should request your PIN before you complete your FAFSA on the Web application. If you’re a dependent student, your parents should request a PIN also, so you and your parent can electronically sign your FASFA on the Web before it’s submitted. That way, you’ll get your results much faster. When requesting a PIN, you must provide your name (as it appears on your Social Security card), your Social Security number, date of birth and mailing address. After this information has been verified with the Social Security Administration’s records, a PIN will be generated. If you provide an e-mail address, you’ll get an e-mail response that contains a link to your PIN. If you don’t provide an e-mail address, you’ll get your PIN through regular mail.

Register for you PIN online now.

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