Will the FAFSA Disappear if the Department of Education Is Closed?

If the study department does not already have, it does Fafsa no, no?

The Department of Education processes the free application for federal student assistance and manages federal financial assistance programs. But Department may not be in a longer period of timeLinda McMahon with the Secretary of Education speaks about ways to close it. This Department workers crashed by about half this month and Studentaid.gov The website has fallen down for hours.

“This workforce reduction increases serious questions about the future function of federal assistance programs” Student Credit Specialist Elaine Rubin He said in an email. “There was little communication about the department plan to continue the effective operations and prevent violations.”

If you are concerned about filling 2025-26 FAFSA – Or already submitted – here’s what you need to know.

FAFSA gets away?

Although the Department of Education is terminated, experts do not think federal student assistance or FAFSA goes.

“Software system and call center contractors are through, but are still important in the house” Student Credit Specialist Mark Kantrowitz He said in an email. “Then FAFSA FIASCO last yearEmployee cancellation can be a disaster. “

Both Rubin and Kantrowitz say that the management of the FAFSA process can be transferred to another agency.

Rubin, FAFSA not only for federal financial assistance programs, but also a “trigger application” for many state and institutional assistance.

“It would be a great commitment to replace the FAFSA, but it can’t be in some points,” he said Rubin. However, due to the introduction of programs in a complex Internet application, “We will not go to the FAFSA.”

Where can the faffa go?

Experts say that another federal agency is the most likely candidate for FAFSA processing if the education department closes. Facilities include the Treasury Department or internal income service, because the FAFSA form is already connected to the IRS system to download tax return information.

Kantrowitz said the US Treasury Department is the most likely place for student credit programs. He added that the federal government should continue to manage and manage the federal government aid.

“States are unable to manage student loans,” said Kantrowitz. “Personal lender does not have a capacity and appetite to privatize the federal student loan portfolio.”

If the FAFSA moved to the Treasury, Kantrowitz said that many of the borrowers did not feel much.

“Most features [of student loan programs] It is carried out through contractors, “he said. There is no experience with treasure higher education rules, so there may be some initial chaos. “

Should you still send FAFSA?

If you need help to pay for college, experts say you need Continue to use FAFSA. The form is used to determine the eligibility for financial assistance, including pell grants, scholarships, business curricula and student loans.

A group of people who are concerned about providing Rubin FAFSA: A group of people should inform you of a parent or husband with an undocumented immigrant. Applicants who have no US citizens Classification documents may be eligible for financial assistance; Like parents and spouses, financial “contributors” status does not affect compliance.

This 1974 Privacy Law The agency is prohibited from sharing certain data without written consent or an obvious agreement. Bottom Current contractsThe department shares FAFSA data for applicants – but not contributors – with the Department of Homeland Security to check the status of the applicant. However, the aggressive position of this management against undocumented immigrants is concerned about providing information that can be distributed illegally with immigration authorities.

There is no universal recommendation for those applicants. “It’s really the best for the family and what they are comfortable.”

If you have submitted your FAFSA application

If you have submitted the FAFSA form, the education department says you will process your online application within a time (paper form presentations).

You can log in after your form is processed Studentaid.gov To see and make adjustments. However, due to the cutting of personnel, you have to wait for specialists warnings if you have any questions or problems in your application.

Summary should include a student assistance index, where the department sent directly to the schools you are listed directly in the FAFSA. Schools use the SAI to calculate the amount of financial assistance that will offer you. If you are worried, you have not received your information to set your school financial assistance package, contact your school’s Financial Assistance.