Skip to Content

You may have noticed federal student aid websites now ask you to provide an FSA ID in order to apply for student aid, access information about existing student loans, complete entrance and exit counseling, apply for a loan consolidation or enroll in an income-driven repayment plan. This is a change from the longstanding four-digit, FAFSA PIN login. So what does it all mean?

Why do I need an FSA ID?

The FSA ID is a unique username and password that will identify you and allow you to log into several federal student aid websites, including:

Students will now use the FSA ID in all stages of the financial aid process, from when they first apply for financial loans to when they begin repaying their debt.

How do I get an FSA ID?

To create one, visit FSAID.ed.gov. After creating a username and password, the site will also request personal identifying information including your name, Social Security number and birth date. As an added security measure, you will create multiple challenge questions.

For immediate access to federal student aid websites, you will simply link your four-digit federal student aid PIN to your FSA ID. If you have forgotten your PIN, the Social Security Administration will need to verify your identity, a process that usually takes one-to-three days. After this waiting period, you will have full access to the federal websites.

Is my FSA ID confidential?

It’s important to keep your FSA ID confidential, even if you are working with a company that is helping you with your student loans. It can be used to log into federal websites and access sensitive information including a detailed history of your personal student loans. It can also be used to electronically sign documents, so it’s important not to share it. Companies should never ask you to compromise its security, even if they are trying to help.

To estimate how long it will take to pay off your student loan debt, use our Student Loan Payoff Calculator.

woman working on balancing budget

Struggling with Credit Card Debt?

A debt management plan can help:
  • Consolidate monthly payments
  • Lower interest rates
  • Eliminate collection calls

Related Posts

How to Get Teens Involved in Saving for College

In a perfect world, everyone would begin savings for their children’s college education shortly after their babies come into the world. But in reality, that’s just not realistic. There’s a lot of life — and expenses — that happen before kids graduate high school and head off to college. Of course, the earlier you begin […]

Read More

New Rules for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Many student loan borrowers have struggled to understand the requirements of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF). They experience frustration and disappointment thinking they were making progress toward receiving loan forgiveness, only to find out that their loans didn’t qualify, or they were enrolled in the wrong payment plan. The U.S. Department of Education […]

Read More

Tips for Borrowing Student Loans Wisely

College tuition is rising nationwide – and student loan debt is following at record rates. If you’re considering a student loan, ask yourself a few hard questions first. A realistic approach, combined with a few smart choices , will help you keep debt to a minimum and assure your personal financial well-being after college. Here […]

Read More

Call 866-528-0588

Or schedule a call now
Please complete the required fields to continue.
Now Later
By requesting a review you are agreeing to communications from Take Charge America via email, phone and SMS messaging. You can opt out at any time.