Each year the federal FAFSA processor creates a Renewal FAFSA for each student who is eligible to participate in the Renewal Application process. The Renewal FAFSA is a time-saver for students and parents; it carries forward most of the data provided on the prior year's FAFSA. Students only update information that has changed and complete certain income and asset questions. You will be eligible to file a Renewal FAFSA if:

you filed a valid 2006-2007 FAFSA; and
you are not in default on a federal grant or loan.

To make sure that you receive your 2007-2008 Renewal FAFSA information, you should update your email address, physical mailing address, and other contact information on the “Student Access” section of www.fafsa.ed.gov by the end of September, 2006.

There are significant changes to the 2007-2008 Renewal Application process as the FAFSA processor continues to emphasize the internet.

The processor will automatically send Renewal Reminders instead of paper Renewal FAFSAs to all eligible applicants. There are two types of Renewal Reminders: PIN Mailer Renewal Reminders and E-mail Renewal Reminders. Renewal Reminders inform students they may use the Web to reapply for aid.
Students who supplied an e-mail address with correct syntax on their applications will receive a PIN Reminder by e-mail. The e-mail will include a URL for students to retrieve their PINs on the Internet. If the processor does not have the student's valid email address, it will send PIN Mailer with a tear-out wallet card containing the student's PIN.

Students will receive their 2007-2008 Renewal Reminders from the U.S. Department of Education between November 4, 2006 and December 16, 2006.

To meet Wooster's suggested filing deadline, you should submit your Renewal FAFSA (or regular FAFSA) to the federal processor between January 1, 2007 and April 1, 2007.

*Once a PIN is assigned to a student or parent and used regularly, the PIN remains constant from year to year. A pin is deactivated if it is unused for 18 months.

Remember: to satisfy the electronic signature requirement for FAFSA on the Web, a dependent student must submit both her or his PIN and a parent's PIN. Otherwise, the FAFSA signature page must be printed, signed by both student and parent, and mailed to the FAFSA processor.