Verification Process
Verification is the process used to confirm that certain information reported on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is accurate.
The U.S. Department of Education may select your FAFSA for verification. 小优视频 may also request additional information when needed to determine your eligibility for financial aid.
If you are selected for verification, you may see a notification on your FAFSA Submission Summary. 小优视频 will also notify you if additional information or documentation is required.
What if my FAFSA is selected for verification?
If you are selected for verification, 小优视频 will assign specific requirements based on the information that must be verified.
You can view your outstanding financial aid requirements in your student portal. Rider also sends weekly email reminders while financial aid requirements remain outstanding.
Submit only the documents requested by the Office of Financial Aid. The documents required vary based on your individual circumstances. Additional documentation may be requested if needed to complete the verification process.
2026-2027 Verification Forms
How do I submit my documents?
Review your outstanding requirements in your student portal and upload your documents through .
Do not email documents containing sensitive personal or financial information unless specifically instructed to do so by the Office of Financial Aid.
When should I submit my verification documents?
Submit all requested verification documents as soon as possible. 小优视频 recommends submitting requested documents within 30 days of Rider's initial request to help prevent delays in your financial aid.
The 30-day timeframe is not a final eligibility deadline. However, verification must be completed in enough time for Rider to determine your eligibility and process your financial aid within applicable federal deadlines.
If you do not complete verification, Rider may be unable to finalize or disburse financial aid that requires verification. Waiting to submit documents may also result in the loss of eligibility for certain financial aid if applicable federal deadlines have passed.
When does the verification process begin?
The Office of Financial Aid will begin reviewing your verification information once all requested documents have been received.
During the review, the information on your FAFSA will be compared with the documentation you submitted. If additional information is needed, Rider will add a requirement to your student portal and notify you.
Respond to additional requests as soon as possible so Rider can complete the verification process and determine your financial aid eligibility.
What happens if my FAFSA information needs to be corrected?
If verification identifies information on your FAFSA that must be corrected, the Office of Financial Aid will generally submit the necessary correction to the U.S. Department of Education.
In some circumstances, you may be asked to make a correction or provide additional information through StudentAid.gov. Rider will notify you if action is required.
Can verification change my financial aid?
Yes. If information changes as a result of verification, your Student Aid Index (SAI) and eligibility for federal, state, or institutional financial aid may also change.
After verification is complete, Rider will finalize your financial aid eligibility. If verification results in a change to your financial aid offer, Rider will send a revised award notification to your Rider email when your updated financial aid offer is processed. The notification will direct you to your student portal to review your updated financial aid information.
What happens if I do not complete verification?
If you are selected for verification, Rider generally cannot finalize and package your need-based financial aid until the verification process is complete.
Failure to complete verification may prevent you from receiving financial aid for which verification is required. Federal deadlines may also limit your eligibility to receive certain types of federal student aid if verification is not completed within the applicable timeframe.
Tax Documents
Do not submit tax documents unless they are specifically requested by the Office of Financial Aid.
If additional tax documentation is required to complete verification, your outstanding requirements will identify the documentation you need to provide.
IRS Resources
If Rider specifically requests an IRS document as part of your verification requirements, use the appropriate IRS resource below:
Do not request or submit an IRS tax transcript or other tax documentation unless it is listed as a requirement or requested by the Office of Financial Aid.
Questions?
If you have questions about verification or a document listed in your student portal, contact the Office of Financial Aid before submitting additional documentation.
Office of Financial Aid
Bart Luedeke Center, 1st Floor
609-896-5360
finaid@rider.edu