FAFSA Verification
After completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), approximately 30 percent of applicants are asked to complete verification. If you're one of these people, don't worry! On this page, you'll find all the information you need to guide you through the verification process.
How will I know if I am selected for verification?
You will be notified via an email that is sent to your Panthermail account. Since you can be selected for verification at any time during the academic year, it is very important you check your Panthermail and PAWS on a regular basis.
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Why was I selected?
You may be selected for verification either by the federal processor or by EIU’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (OFAS). Some applicants are randomly selected; others are chosen because their FAFSA was incomplete or contained inconsistent information.
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What documentation do I have to submit?
If you are selected for verification, your PAWS account will identify the documents you need to provide and include instructions for submitting them. Students that are not yet admitted to EIU may also find the requests and instructions on MyEIU.
Please note that additional documentation may be requested at the OFAS's discretion. If additional documents are requested, you'll be notified via Panthermail and your PAWS account will be updated.
Please check your requirements and submit all documentation to the OFAS as soon as possible; you cannot receive any of your federal and need-based aid until the verification process is complete.
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Where do I submit the verification documents?
Email
- finaidverification@eiu.edu (Scan the document(s), save as a PDF, and send as an email attachment)
- In the Subject Line, type: VERIFICATION
- Be sure to include your E#.
Fax
- (217) 581-6422; ATTN: Verification
Mail
- Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920
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What happens once I submit my documents?
You can continue to check the status of your documents by going to your PAWS account. When you submit documentation to our office, please allow at least two to three business days for the status to be updated. Your application will be reviewed once OFAS has received all of your verification documentation. Once verification is complete (and corrections made, if necessary), you will receive an email notification of your awards.
Please do not submit documents unless they are requested.
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What if I don't want to complete the verification process?
The verification process is a federal regulation and must be completed in order for a student to receive federal aid as well as any state and institutional aid. If you do not wish to complete the verification process -- and therefore not receive financial aid -- please notify the OFAS via email at finaid@eiu.edu so we can update your status. Be sure to include your name and E#.
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What is the deadline to submit verification documentation?
Those selected for verification should submit their required verification documents as soon as reasonably possible (preference is within 15 days of being selected, but this is a guideline, not a fixed deadline). If you do not complete verification, you may forfeit access to federal aid and loans, state aid, and institutional need-based aid.
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