State Offers Virtual Help As FAFSA Deadline Looms

The state deadline to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is less than a week away, and the state is hosting a virtual event Monday night to offer support for students who still need to file while stuck at home.

Some families are already feeling squeezed for finances during the coronavirus pandemic, and thousands of Hoosiers have filed for unemployment. Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers says for students who need financial aid, filing the FAFSA as soon as possible is crucial.

“If you are going to receive financial aid, whether that’s from the state or whether it’s institutional aid or scholarships, you have to complete the FAFSA,” she says.

Lubbers says the state will offer as much flexibility as possible for late filers, but funds are limited. So far, Lubbers says the percentage of FAFSA filers is not significantly lower than previous years.

The commission plans to offer question and answer sessions on social media through its Learn More Indiana accounts on Monday. Staff will also offer text or phone call support from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The FAFSA filing deadline is Wednesday, April 15.

The Commission For Higher Education staff will use the agency’s Learn More Indiana social media accounts to help answer questions during Monday night’s event. (Learn More Indiana/Facebook)