Verification Processing

Verification is the process SCC uses to confirm that the data reported on the FAFSA is accurate. If a student is selected for verification, they should not assume that they have done something wrong. Verification is a random selection conducted by the Department of Education. Students may notice that on their Student Aid Report (SAR) that they have been selected for verification and/or receive an email from SCC indicating the selection. 

In addition, Stanly Community College has the authority to select applications for the verification process if there is conflicting data.

Students who have been selected for verification will receive an email from the Stanly Community College Financial Aid Office to their student email address. This email will indicate the documentation required to complete the verification process. Please note that there may be times that the SCC Financial Aid Office will request the student to go back into their FAFSA and correct and/or add required information, i.e. missing parent data, updating “will-file” tax return status, etc.

Links to the FA forms requested are included in the initial and subsequent email(s) generated in response to FAFSA submittal. FA forms are also available on the SCC website under Financial Aid forms on the Financial Aid webpage.  In addition, paper forms are available from the Financial Aid office upon request.

Requested FA forms are required as soon as possible or before published priority deadlines.  The student’s financial aid record is on a  “pending” status until all requested documentation has been received.

Timeline

Once all forms have been submitted, the verification process generally takes 1-2 weeks to complete.  Note that turning in all requested documents before the priority deadline is key to insure that eligible financial aid awards are in place before a semester and/or class(es) begins.  

The Department of Education categorizes students into one of three Verification Tracking groups.               

Verification Tracking Groups

V1 – Standard Verification Group
Students in this group must verify the following if they and/or their parents are tax filers:

• Adjusted gross income
• Income tax paid
• Untaxed portions of IRA distributions
• Untaxed portions of pensions
• IRA deductions and payments
• Tax-exempt interest income
• Education credits
• Household size
• Number in college

Students and/or parents who are not tax filers must verify the following:

• Income earned from work
• Household size
• Number in college

V4 – Custom Verification Group
Students must verify high school completion status and complete the identity/statement of educational purpose form.

V5 – Aggregate Verification Group
Students must verify high school completion status and complete the identity/statement of educational purpose form in addition to the items in the V1-Standard Verification Group.