What is the FAFSA Simplification Act?

Changes and improvements are coming to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application in the 2024-2025 aid year.

The FAFSA Simplification Act, enacted into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, makes many important changes to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Significant changes are being made to impact need analysis, as well as many policies and procedures for schools that participate in the Title IV programs. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has set forth a phased implementation approach, with full implementation by July 1, 2024.

Changes set forth in the FAFSA Simplification Act that are scheduled to begin with the 2024-2025 academic year will take time to properly implement. Consequently, the 2024-2025 FAFSA is expected to be available in December 2023 (rather than in October). ISAC anticipates availability of the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid for the 2024-2025 academic year to coincide with the launch of the 2024-2025 FAFSA.

The Financial Aid Process

Students should complete the application process by the following deadlines:

  • Fall Semester: July 1

  • Spring Semester: November 1

  • Summer Semester: April 1

Prior to applying for financial aid, make sure you have applied for admission to LCC. If you haven’t completed an admissions application, you can do so by visiting our Admissions website.

Apply for a Federal Student Aid ID. The FSA ID will be needed for the student and parent if the student is dependent. You will create your own FSA Username and Password. The FSA ID will serve as your electronic signature when completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A signature page can be printed and mailed in lieu of the FSA ID, but the FAFSA will process quicker with a FSA ID.

FEDERAL STUDENT AID ID

Gather all paperwork needed to complete the FAFSA:

  1. FSA ID’s
  2. Social Security Numbers, Date of Birth, and Driver’s license numbers
  3. Untaxed Income
  4. Investment records and Bank Statements

Complete the FAFSA. If you and/or your parent filed taxes, we suggest using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to import the tax information into your FAFSA application. Otherwise, LCC may request IRS Tax Transcripts from the IRS to verify income for you and/or your parents.

What is the IRS Data Retrieval Tool

List Lenoir Community College (School Code = 002940) as the school you’d like to receive your results in Section 5 of the FAFSA.

Sign and submit your completed FAFSA.

Receive an email from the LCC Office of Financial Aid requesting additional paperwork approximately two weeks after submitting your FAFSA. Paperwork requested varies by individual.

  • It is important to check your LancerMAIL frequently to receive important information from the Office of Financial Aid.

Submit all paperwork/copies requested of you to the LCC Office of Financial Aid as soon as possible.

Submit all official high school transcripts and official transcripts from all colleges/universities you’ve attended after high school to the Registrar’s Office. Your award cannot be processed until all requested documentation has been received.

Allow approximately two to three weeks for your Financial Aid counselor to process your award once you’ve submitted all requested documentation.

Check the Status of your Aid – An award letter notification will be emailed to you. You may view your award letter by logging into myLCC.
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CONNECT WITH US

Staff
Office of Financial Aid
Administration (Building 003)
Room 140
Phone: (252) 527-6223, ext. 371
Fax: (252) 233-6896
Email: finaid@lenoircc.edu

Shelia L. Wiggins
Director of Financial Aid
Administration (Building 003)
Room 140G
Phone: (252) 527-6223, ext. 302
Fax: (252) 233-6896
Email: slwiggins45@lenoircc.edu