FAQ - Verification

1. What is verification, and what do I need to do if I am selected?

Verification is a process that all universities participating in federal aid programs have to complete. If the Central Processing System (CPS) selects you, you must complete verification in order to qualify for financial aid. If you are selected, we will send you an email requesting additional documents. Using these documents, we compare your data to the information on your FAFSA, and make corrections, if needed.

2. What documents do I need for verification?

• Verification Worksheet available at Online Forms & Services.
• Copy of your tax transcript. Please review your verification worksheet to get detailed directions on receiving a tax transcript. Alternatively, you may do the IRS data retrieval which is discussed on the verification worksheet. The IRS data retrieval is the preferred way of providing tax information.
• Copies of all current W-2 forms for student and parents/spouse.
• If you and your spouse/parents did not file taxes, you will be asked to provide a non-filer form(s). These forms are available at Online Forms & Services.
• If you someone in your household received food stamps, you will be asked to provide documentation from the agency that issued the Food Stamps.
• If, after reviewing these documents we need more information, someone from our office will contact you via your UHCL email account.

3. How long will the verification process take?

Once we have collected all your verification documents, they go to your counselor. We can usually review your verification documents within two weeks after receiving them. (During peak times, the process may take slightly longer.) After the verification is completed, we will award you your financial aid.