Those who are interested in financial assistance must submit the FAFSA either electronically or by mail using a paper form.

1.  FILING ON THE WEB - NO PIN  (What is a PIN?)

• Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to file the FAFSA electronically.
   
• Click on the link, "Filling Out a FAFSA", and choose either “First Time FAFSA,” or “Renewal FAFSA.”
   
• Select the appropriate FAFSA.  Choose either 2007 - 2008 (covers Fall 07 - Summer 08) or 2006 - 2007 (good through Summer 2007; must use 2005 income tax statements).
   
• Read the information on signing electronically and answer the question – “Do you want to sign your application now by using your PIN?” Select “YES” or “NO.”
  
  
• If NO, click next. Enter a social security number, last name, first name, date of birth, and create a password.  Click next and enter the FAFSA information. When applicants get to the signature portion of the application process, they should print the signature page, sign it and mail it to the address provided. Next, applicants should click to submit the application.

2.  FILING ON THE WEB - WITH PIN

• Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov to file the FAFSA electronically.
   
• Click on the link, "Filling Out a FAFSA", and choose either "First Time FAFSA," or "Renewal FAFSA.".
   
• Select the appropriate FAFSA.  Choose either 2007 - 2008 (covers Fall 07 - Summer 08) or 2006 - 2007 (good through Summer 2007).
   
• Read the information on signing electronically and answer the question – “Do you want to sign your application now by using your PIN?” Select “YES” or “NO.”
  
  
• If YES, click next. Enter a social security number, last name, first name, date of birth, student's PIN, and create a password.  Enter FAFSA information. For signatures, enter student's PIN and parents' PIN (if required to provide parental information on FAFSA). Next, applicants should click to submit the application.

To obtain a PIN, visit www.pin.ed.gov and select “Apply for a PIN.”  Applicants will need to provide social security numbers, a full name, complete address, date of birth, e-mail address (if available) and a security pass phrase.  Upon approval, a PIN will be mailed, or emailed, to the applicant in approximately three business days.

Individuals who have lost or forgotten their PINs can request a duplicate by visiting www.pin.ed.gov and selecting “Request a Duplicate PIN.” Instructions for replacing the PIN will be provided.

3.  FILING VIA US MAIL – PAPER FORM

• Request a paper FAFSA by calling 1-800-4FED-AID or 1-800-433-3243. Students may request up to three copies of the paper application and should receive their FAFSAs in 3-7 business days. .  
   
• Complete the application and mail it in the self addressed envelope provided in the FAFSA packet. It normally takes around 4 weeks to process the application once it has been received.
   
• Notification, called the Student Aid Report (SAR), will be returned through regular postal service mail. Schools listed on the FAFSA will also receive a copy of the SAR. 

More information about the variety of financial aid programs and how to apply for them is available by visiting the Office of Student Financial Assistance Webpage or by calling the office of student financial assistance at 843-921-6939, or by visiting the office on the campus of NETC Cheraw.