University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Verification
The verification process is a way for the U.S. Department of Education to ensure accurate reporting of information on the FAFSA. Each year, a portion of the student population, approximately 33%, is randomly selected by the Department of Education for verification. If you are selected, we are required by the Department of Education to collect copies of tax returns and W2’s for both parents and students to verify that the information reported on the FAFSA is correct. In addition to supplying tax information, Pitt-Johnstown requires a Verification Worksheet be completed and submitted for each student that is selected for verification. This Verification Worksheet is different for dependent and independent students. We will mail you a Pitt-Johnstown Verification Worksheet as well as a request for copies of all pertinent tax information, as we are unable to process any Federal Student Aid, including Stafford and PLUS loans, until the verification process has been completed. Thus, the sooner the requested information is returned to us, the sooner we will be able to complete your financial aid.
If you were selected for verification which is designated by an asterisk (*) to the right of your EFC on your Student Aid Report (SAR), you may download the necessary forms needed to complete the verification process.
Reduction of Income
If your family’s 2007 income will be significantly less than the 2006 income reported on your FAFSA, you can complete the Reduction of Income form and return it to the Financial Aid Office for further consideration of your 2007-2008 financial aid. All students who request a Reduction of Income, must complete Verification. Through the Verification process, we will be able to compare your family’s 2006 Federal Income Tax information against the information reported on your FAFSA and make any necessary adjustments. Along with your family’s 2006 Federal Income Tax information, you are required to submit the Pitt-Johnstown Verification Worksheet. Please be advised that your Reduction of Income will not be processed until the Verification process is complete. No Reduction of Income forms will be processed before August 15, 2007 or after February 15, 2008.
Last Reviewed: March 19, 2008