Verification Process

Verification is a critical process ensuring the accuracy of information provided on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or California Dream Act Application. This may occur randomly or due to incomplete, estimated, or inconsistent application data. The U.S. Department of Education or California Student Aid Commission selects some students for verification, while the financial aid office may also initiate verification due to conflicting information.

Steps to Determine if You're Selected for Verification:

To check your aid status and view required forms for verification at Ventura College:

1. Log in to your my.vcccd.edu portal.
2. Click on Financial Aid, then on Financial Aid Dashboard.
3. Verification documents will be listed in the Financial Aid Requirements section. Additionally, you may receive emails prompting you to complete verification. Ensure to read and respond to these emails within 14 days.

Documents Required for Submission:

The specific documents needed vary based on your verification group. Visit the Financial Aid section on the my.vcccd.edu portal for your personalized requirements.

Important Notes on Document Submission:

• The financial aid office may accept signed copies of federal tax returns (1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ) under specific circumstances, with proof of inability to obtain IRS transcripts.
• Utilize the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to transfer tax information to your FAFSA. If unavailable, request an IRS tax return transcript. Note that CA Dream Act Application filers cannot use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.
• If applying for aid at other colleges, make a copy of your IRS tax return transcript for your records before submitting it to the financial aid office.

Submission Deadline:

While there isn't a strict deadline, it's crucial to submit all verification documents as early as possible. Refer to the important dates at Ventura College Financial Aid.

Avoiding Processing Delays:

Submit all required documents within 14 days of receiving the verification notice and ensure to submit them all at once.

Post-Verification Process:

After verification, if your application information aligns, the financial aid office determines your eligibility and notifies you via your MyVCCCD portal. Any discrepancies may require additional documentation, and corrections may be made to your application.

Final Considerations:

Eligible students receive an award notice via email. Failure to submit requested documentation may result in the loss of financial aid eligibility.