How to Answer FAFSA Question #74-78: Parental Federal Benefit Status

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At any time 2019 or 2020, did you, your parents or anyone in your parents’ household receive benefits from any of the federal programs listed? Mark all that apply. Answering these questions will NOT reduce eligibility for student aid or these programs. TANF has different names in many states. Call 1-800-433-3243 to find out the name of your the state’s program. If you, your parents, or anyone in your household receives any of these benefits after filing the FAFSA but before December 31, 2020, you must update your response by logging in to fafsa.gov and selecting “Make FAFSA Corrections.

74. Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

75.  Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

76.  Free or Reduced Price Lunch

77.  Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

78.  Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

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Application Deadline: January 31, 2021

Why are they asking this information?

This series of questions aim to determine if your parent(s) received any form of supplemental government (federal or state) assistance for living expenses, which may qualify you for Federal financial aid.

How to answer this question / fill out this section

Check the appropriate boxes if your parent(s) have benefited from any of the following programs:

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Free or Reduced Price Lunch
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) 

Additional Considerations

Please note, the names of these programs may differ from state to state. These names shown here are the most commonly used.

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