Receiving Your FAFSA Check- What You Need to Know About Financial Aid Disbursement

Does FAFSA Send You a Check?

When applying for financial aid, one of the most common questions students and their families ask is whether the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) sends a check directly to them. The answer to this question is not straightforward and depends on the type of financial aid awarded.

Understanding Financial Aid Awards

The FAFSA is a crucial step in the financial aid process, as it determines your eligibility for various forms of financial assistance, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Each type of financial aid has a different distribution method.

Grants and Scholarships

If you are awarded a grant or scholarship, the money is typically sent directly to your college or university. The school then credits the funds to your student account, which can be used to cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. In most cases, you will not receive a check for these funds. Instead, you can use the financial aid to pay for your school-related expenses.

Work-Study

Work-study is a type of financial aid that allows you to work on campus or in community service positions. The money you earn from your work-study job is not sent to you in the form of a check. Instead, you will receive a bi-weekly paycheck from your employer, just like any other student employee.

Loans

Federal student loans are the most common form of financial aid that students receive. If you are awarded a loan, the funds will be sent directly to your college or university. The school will then disburse the loan funds to your student account, which can be used to cover your educational expenses. In some cases, the school may send you a check for the remaining amount after your tuition and fees have been paid, but this is not always the case.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the FAFSA does not send you a check for financial aid. The distribution method depends on the type of aid you are awarded. Grants and scholarships are typically credited to your student account, while work-study earnings are paid through a paycheck. Loans are sent to your school, which then uses the funds to cover your educational expenses. It’s essential to understand how each type of financial aid is distributed to effectively manage your school-related expenses.