Verification

What is financial aid verification?
How will I know if I'm selected for verification?
Why was my FAFSA selected for verification?
How long does the verification process take?
What do I need to do since I'm selected for verification?
If I do not complete my verification, will I still get financial aid?
If I'm unable to attach documents on my verification worksheet, where do I send them?
If more documents are required after/during the verification process, how will I be notified?

What is financial aid verification?

A: Financial Aid Verification is a federally mandated review process. During the review process, the Office of Student Financial Aid will compare information you provided on the FAFSA to documents submitted to our office (ex. tax transcripts, W-2, etc.). Federal and state financial aid funds will not be awarded until the verification process is complete.

How will I know if I'm selected for verification?

When you submit your FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) at the student email address listed on the FAFSA. Additionally, the University of Memphis will post specific verification requirements (tax return transcripts, W-2s, verification worksheets, etc.) to the student's myMemphis account and send emails to their University of Memphis email.

Why was my FAFSA selected for verification?

The Department of Education uses an algorithm that isn't disclosed to colleges and universities, to select applicants for verification. It doesn't mean that you did anything wrong. It just means that we have to confirm the data reported on your FAFSA. In most cases, if we find information that doesn't match, we'll make the corrections to your FAFSA on your behalf.

How long does the verification process take?

Verification processing time varies depending on the volume of verification files and the time of year. Turn in your documents as early as possible to complete your file. Check myMemphis often as incomplete files cannot be verified. The verification process will not begin until all required items have been received. To view specific steps on how to see what requirements you have, visit our Step-By-Step page.

It is the student's responsibility to submit all documents in a timely manner and to pay for any outstanding balance by the fee payment deadlines. If you submit your documentation too close to the beginning of the term, it is unlikely that your financial aid will be available to assist with your charges so be prepared to pay for them on your own until your financial aid eligibility can be determined.

What do I need to do since I'm selected for verification?

Login to myMemphis and follow the Step-By-Step instructions to view the outstanding requirements. These steps are also included in the email(s) that you receive from our office notifying you of the outstanding requirements.

If I do not complete my verification, will I still get financial aid?

No. You will not receive any federal, state, or some institutional financial aid until you resolve the verification review process. If you are selected for verification after financial aid has previously disbursed and do not complete the verification process, your financial aid will be canceled. You will then incur a large bill you will have to repay.

If I'm unable to attach documents on my verification worksheet, where do I send them?

In order to protect your sensitive information, we strongly discourage emailing or faxing verification documents. Please upload your documents by submitting an Online Help Request. DO NOT submit the same document via multiple methods (email, fax, online help request, in person, etc.). This will only delay our ability to review your account.

If more documents are required after/during the verification process, how will I be notified?

Once verification begins, you may be asked to submit additional documentation. If this occurs, an email will be sent to the student's UofM email account. Additionally, all requested documents can be viewed on the student's myMemphis account.
It is the student's responsibility to submit all documents in a timely manner and to pay for any outstanding balance by the fee payment deadlines. If you submit your documentation too close to the beginning of the term, it is unlikely that your financial aid will be available to assist with your charges so be prepared to pay for them on your own until your financial aid eligibility can be determined.