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FAFSA: Comment Codes

Sometimes a FAFSA will have comment/reject codes that will require the student to take some additional steps. This is a separate process from verification, though a student may have FAFSA comment/reject codes and be selected for verification.

Category
Paying for Education & Training
Topics
Financial Aid, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA))

Common FAFSA Comment Codes

Here are the top things that cause comment/reject codes.

  • Identifiers for the student and/or parent(s) are not correct. Double check each person’s date of birth, social security number, and name to be sure they are correct.
  • Did not use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing the FAFSA.
  • The FAFSA was not signed by all who are required to sign.
  • Student who is required to register with Selective Service is not registered.
  • Listing the same dollar amount on the FAFSA for adjusted gross income and tax paid.

Most times an error or omission on the FAFSA will cause a comment/reject code. It is very difficult for a student to determine what is needed for a comment/reject code to be resolved. The institution receiving the student’s FAFSA will monitor the FAFSA for comment/reject codes and request the required documentation or inform the student what must be done for resolution. The student should monitor all communications from the institution(s).

All comment/reject codes must be resolved before a student can receive federal financial aid.

 

 

Common Comment Codes

Selective Service Match:
The student is male and required to be registered for the Selective Service but they do not show as registered. Resolution required.

The student’s parent did not sign the FAFSA or the SAR corrections that the student submitted. Resolution required.

Social Security Administration Citizenship Status:
Based on the student’s information on the FAFSA they do not match the federal database for citizenship. This could be due to incorrect FAFSA information. Resolution required.

The social security number on the FAFSA for father(11) and/or mother(12) does not match the Social Security Administration file. Resolution required.

The student social security number on the FAFSA does not match the Social Security Administration file. Resolution required.

The father’s(16) or mother’s(17) date of birth as reported on the student’s FAFSA does not match his/her date of birth in the Social Security Administration’s records for his/her social security number. Resolution required.

The amount the student reported for their parents’ income tax is equal to or greater than the amount the student reported for adjusted gross income. Resolution required.

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