ISAC Student PortalEarly Implementation of FAFSA Simplification Act
The FAFSA Simplification Act (enacted into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021) makes many important changes to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). To make Title IV aid accessible to as many students as soon as possible, the Department of Education (ED) is implementing changes in three phases across the 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 award years.
The following pertains to the 2022-23 award year.
- Selective Service registration
- As the result of early implementation of specific aspects of the FAFSA Simplification Act, failing to register with the Selective Service does not affect a student’s Title IV aid eligibility.
- Language has been added to comment codes 30, 33, and 57 stating that no further action is necessary.
- For additional information, refer to Dear Colleague Letter GEN-21-04, published on June 11, 2021.
- Drug-related and conviction information with the Department of Justice (DOJ)
- As the result of early implementation of specific aspects of the FAFSA Simplification Act, having a drug conviction while receiving federal Title IV aid does not affect a student’s Title IV aid eligibility.
- Language has been added to comment codes 53, 54, 56, and 58 stating that no further action is necessary.
- For additional information, refer to Dear Colleague Letter GEN-21-04, published on June 11, 2021
Note that, for the 2023-24 award year, ED plans to completely remove the Selective Service and drug conviction questions from the FAFSA, as well as the option to register with the Selective Service via the FAFSA. Any associated comment codes and messaging that indicate a resolution is required for federal Title IV eligibility will also be removed.
