If you plan on beginning school in the 2011-12 school year, you can complete a FAFSA online any time after January 1, but the sooner, the better! In order to complete a FAFSA for the 2011-2012 school year, you will need to have the following information for student and parents (or spouse if married):

• Social security numbers
• Birthdates
• Student’s alien registration/permanent resident card (if the student is not a U.S. citizen)
• Completed 2010 federal income tax return (IRS Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ) and earnings statements for the student and parents or spouse (if applicable)
  • If you do not have a 2010 tax return completed when filing your FAFSA, you may submit with estimates using your 2009 tax return and update your FAFSA at a later time
  • If your income changed significantly since 2009 and you have not completed your taxes yet, make your best estimate of your 2010 income
  • If you are not required to file a federal tax return, please bring any income records for 2010
• Information on any untaxed income (i.e. child support, payments to tax-deferred accounts, workers compensation, disability, etc.)
• Checking and savings account balances
• Other asset information including net worth of secondary homes or rental/investment properties, stocks, bonds, and other investments
• A list of colleges the student is applying to - up to 10 can be listed

For more information, please contact Ladder Up at 312-458-9105 or email LIFT@goladderup.org