Ammons Highlighting FAFSA Changes, Opportunities For More Student Aid

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Continuing her support for college students and their tuition needs, state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, wants her community to know about a revamped Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), including streamlined access and heightened security measures. 

“Tuition continues to be a barrier between bright, dedicated students and their college education,” Ammons said. “And as we tackle the financial problems that face working families, we have to include financial aid in our efforts. ISAC workshops will allow students to find out more about how FAFSA has changed in recent years and how they can best take advantage of federal assistance they are owed.” 

The U.S. Department of Education is launching an improved FAFSA application for families with students with student aid needs. Typically, the application opens in October, however these changes necessitated an earlier opening. The new portal pulls information directly from the IRS and makes common sense changes that will allow more students to access Pell Grants. New security measures will also ensure that sensitive information, such as tax data, will only be required after creating a secure login with FAFSA. 

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is hosting presentations, workshops and other events to connect students and families with important information on these changes. While representatives regularly visit schools around the state, interested students are encouraged to visit studentportal.isac.org to find workshops near them. 

“Representing a university community, I hear on a regular basis how students and their families simply can’t afford their education,” Ammons said. “It’s unacceptable, and I hope our next legislative session includes substantive reforms that will make college education affordable again. In the meantime, I will do everything in my power to support our bright Illinois college students.”

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