Beginning with the summer term 2013, if your child is planning to attend a college in Georgia and is seeking state financial aid they will now be required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

The 2012-13 or 2013-14 FAFSA may be used for summer term 2013. A 2013-14 FAFSA will be required for fall term 2013 and will be applicable through summer term 2014.

Moving forward, a current-year FAFSA will be required each year if your child is seeking state financial aid.

The Georgia Student Finance Commission says the change to the method by which students can apply for state financial aid is being implemented to comply with the requirements for verification of lawful presence in Georgia.

Students applying for state financial aid will be required to complete and submit a FAFSA to determine eligibility for student aid, regardless of whether the student is applying for any federal assistance.

As a result of the change, the GSFAPPS application process will no longer be available after June 8, 2013. After spring term 2013, the GSFAPPS will no longer be an acceptable financial aid application.
Dual Enrollment Completion of a FAFSA is not required for high school students participating in a dual enrollment program through Georgia’s Accel or HOPE Grant programs.

The Georgia Student Finance Commission says if your child is currently 18 years of age or will be turning 18 during the term for which financial aid is being requested, they must submit a notarized affidavit and provide acceptable documentation to GSFC to prove lawful presence in the United States at the time they submit their application for dual enrollment.

"We understand this may have an impact on many students and their families. We believe, however, this change will result in a simpler and more streamlined process for everyone," said officials at the GSFC.

People with questions can contact 770.724.9000 or 800.505.GSFC (4732) or by email at clientservices@gsfc.org.

List of Georgia Financial Aid Programs:

- ACCEL
- Georgia Military College State Service Scholarship Loan Program HERO Scholarship
- HOPE GED Grant
-HOPE Grant
- HOPE Scholarship
- North Georgia College & State University Military Scholarship Loan
-North Georgia College & State University ROTC Grant and ROTC Grant for Future Officers
- Public Safety Memorial Grant
-Scholarship for Engineering Education Program
-Student Access Loan (SAL) Program
-Tuition Equalization Grant
-Zell Miller Scholarship.

Acceptable Documentation to Prove Lawful Presence in Georgia:

- A current driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia after January 1, 2008
- A certified U.S. Birth Certificate showing the student was born in the U.S. or a U.S. territory
- A U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (USCIS form N-550 or N-570)
- A U.S. Certificate of Citizenship (USCIS form N-560 or N-561)
- A U.S Certificate of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State (DS-1350) or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad
(FS-240)
- A current U.S. Passport
- A current ID issued by the State of Georgia after January 1, 2008
- Permanent Resident Card (USCIS form I-151 or I-551)