Now is the Time to Apply for 2020-2021 Financial Aid

“It’s Friday night, I’m hungry, and I’m broke. Monday I need to go to the college Financial Aid Office and discuss taking out more loans, but I already have too much loan debt.”

Have you ever felt like that? 

Keep in mind, when students don’t file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in a timely manner, they could be throwing away money. Not filing could cost you over $1,000 dollars in grant money. Many students have learned this lesson the hard way. For the 2020-2021 academic year (which seems so far away), students could begin completing the FAFSA as of October 1, 2019. Don’t delay, apply today!

It’s FREE, completed online, and only takes about 15 minutes. You can do it twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. It can be done at any time that is convenient for you.

It’s normal to have questions. Financial aid can often be confusing and the process seems overwhelming. That’s where we come in!

The Financial Aid staff at Blackhawk Technical College is here to help from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Whether you’re applying for the very first time or trying to renew your application, we can help. Our Financial Aid Office stays up-to-date with the latest state and federal requirements and changes, so they are the perfect people to help no matter what situation you face. Our team will help you understand what you have to do and how to do it. We get it and we’re here to answer all your questions to help you get the FAFSA done right. 

There are a few things you need to have to complete the 2020-21 FAFSA:

• Know your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID, which includes your username and password, by creating an account at studentaid.gov.
• Know the FAFSA Website to log in https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa
• Know your date of birth – that’s an easy one  
• Have your Social Security Number – If you’re not a citizen, then bring your alien registration card or permanent resident card.
• Have your 2018 Federal Tax form handy and your W-2 forms. You need to know how much money $$$ you made in 2018.
• If you had any untaxed income such as Disability, Worker’s Compensation, Child Support paid and/or received, or Veterans Benefits, know those amounts as well for 2018.
• Know your current bank account information (checking, savings, and cash you have)
• If you are under 24, not married, have no children, and are not a Veteran, you’re going to need information from your parent or stepparent too. If you have questions on this then just ask and get the guidance you need to know whose income to report.

Many students can complete the 2020-21 FAFSA in 15 minutes. Let’s face it, 15 minutes isn’t a bad investment of time if it can qualify you for grant money (money you don’t have to pay back). Loans are available if you need them, but the Financial Aid Office at Blackhawk will help you keep any loan debt down by looking for other types of financial assistance first.

So, remember – it’s FREE, it’s easy, and it’s a great investment that you make for yourself and your future. Don’t delay. Complete your 2020-21 FAFSA today.

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