Verification
Verification is a routine process schools use to confirm the information reported on your FAFSA. If you’ve been selected for verification, continue reading more about the process and your next steps.
What It Means to Be Selected for Verification
The first thing you should know if you’re selected for verification is that it’s a routine process—you did nothing wrong.
- The U.S. Department of Education randomly selects students for verification.
- A third to a half of financial aid applicants are selected for verification.
If you are selected, Johns Hopkins University is required to verify your file before we can finalize and disburse your federal aid.
Process
When selected for verification, you must submit additional documentation confirming the information reported on your FAFSA.
Once we receive the additional documents, we’ll review the data and compare it to the information on your original FAFSA. If necessary, our office will make corrections and send them to the federal government. You will receive an email if the modifications impact your federal aid eligibility.
Verification may take several weeks to complete, so we ask that all students supply the requested materials as soon as possible.
- Undergraduate students, we can only guarantee that your aid will be disbursed by the first day of fall courses if you submit all requested materials by August 1.
Two Steps to Complete Verification
1. Check your financial aid To Do List
Once you’re notified that you’re selected for verification, log in to SIS Self-Service / Financial Aid / View Financial Aid / Menu / To Do List. Review your financial aid To Do List for a list of requirements. Document requirements are different for each student.
2. Submit verification documents.
For undergraduates, most verification forms are available to sign and submit electronically using DocuSign. Follow the instructions when you click the links in your financial aid To Do List.
Graduate requirements and other undergraduate documents, including tax forms and other IRS documentation, may be submitted using the secure upload tool in SIS Self-Service / Financial Aid / Online Forms / FA – Document Upload Form
Students and authorized users can track the completion of verification documents in your Hopkins portal, SIS Self-Service / Financial Aid / View Financial Aid / Menu / To Do List.
Forms & Resources
Forms
Each student selected for verification has different documentation requirements. Check your financial aid To Do List in SIS Self-Service for your specific requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most verification forms are available to sign and submit electronically using DocuSign. Follow the instructions on each form.
Other requirements, including tax forms and other IRS documentation, may be submitted using the secure upload tool in SIS (upload instructions). NOTE: To protect your personal information, DO NOT email documents.
If you are required to submit the Verification of Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose, use a notary or submit it in person. Please contact SEAM if you have any questions or concerns about completing this requirement.
The Household Verification Worksheet confirms the number of people in your household and their college enrollment status. Undergraduates may submit the IDOC version of the form or the Hopkins version listed above.
If you are a dependent student, the worksheet should list:
- You
- Your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) (including stepparents)
- Other children or individuals who live in your household
- If your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will provide more than half of their support during the academic year
NOTE: If your parents are divorced or separated, you should only include the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) you live with for more than half of the academic year and their household.
If you are an independent student, the worksheet should list:
- You
- Your spouse (if married)
- Your children and other individuals who live with you (if any, and if you will provide more than half of their support during the academic year)
In many cases, signed IRS Tax Return documents are sufficient to complete verification. However, we may request that you obtain tax return transcripts or verification letters from the IRS. You should request documentation online through the IRS Get Transcript service. Watch this video to learn more about the online transcript request process.
If you have any concerns about obtaining the required documentation, or if you do not think you will be able to submit the requirements, contact SEAM to discuss your options.
Your financial aid will not be disbursed until verification documents are submitted and processed. If you do not submit verification materials by the end of the academic year, your aid may be canceled.
Your federal financial aid eligibility may be affected if we are required to correct your FAFSA based on your submitted documents. You will receive an email to your Hopkins address if there are any changes to your eligibility.
Undergraduates
- Undergraduates must submit documents by August 1 to avoid any delays in disbursement.
- If you are an undergraduate student and your federal aid is reduced, Hopkins will help you meet your needs with scholarships and student employment.
Video Resources
Our Financial Wellness Video Library offers content focused on verification.