Need to Update Your Marital Status on FAFSA?

Let us Help!

Did you or are you going to get married, or divorced? If so, updating your FAFSA could possibly unlock additional federal aid!

The FAFSA captures your marital status the day you submit it and usually stays the same all year. But life happens! If you...

  • got married after submitting your FAFSA
  • are getting married soon
  • recently got divorced
  • are soon to be divorced

then your financial situation might change, and we’re here to help you figure out if updating your FAFSA can boost your aid eligibility!

Not Sure?

Deadlines

Steps to Update

FAQs

Not sure if you should update?

Answer these three quick questions before making changes!

1. Am I Eligible to Update My Marital Status?

  • Did you or will you be married during the current academic year you are attending? You must already be married to update your FAFSA.
  • Were you or will you be registered in at least 1 class when you were or will be married? Your marriage date must be during a semester you're enrolled at USU.
  • Changes must be made before June 30th (the FAFSA deadline) if you are attending the summer semester, or before the last day of classes if you are attending only fall and/or spring.

2. Are You Already Considered an Independent Student?

If you're already independent by FAFSA purposes, updating your marital status probably won’t increase aid.

You’re independent if you:

  • Will you be 24 years old by the end of fall semester
  • Are in a graduate/professional program
  • Are a veteran or active military
  • Have legal dependents
  • Were in foster care, a legal guardianship, or homeless

3. Are You Currently Enrolled?

If you're not enrolled yet, we can still process your change, but you won’t receive aid until you're officially enrolled in a semester during the academic year (Fall–Summer).

Still unsure? Contact Student Financial Support and we’ll help you!

Deadlines to Update Marital Status

Fall & Spring Semesters: Submit your FAFSA change before the last day of finals in your last semester for the aid year.

Summer Semester: If your marriage date is after June 30th, you’ll need to wait until the next FAFSA year to update.

Steps to Update Your Marital Status on FAFSA

Step 1: Update Your FAFSA Online

  1. Log into studentaid.gov and click “Access Existing Form.”
  2. Update your marital status, household size, income, and assets.
  3. Invite your spouse as a Contributor on FAFSA.
  4. If you get an error message, ignore it and continue—USU authorizes it students to update their marital status..
  5. Sign & submit your FAFSA!
  6. Your spouse will receive an email to give IRS consent. Once they complete this, your FAFSA will be considered complete!

Step 2: Submit Documentation to USU

Within 3-5 days, you’ll get an email with a link to usu.studentforms.com to upload a marriage certificate and complete the following webforms:

  • Independent Verification Form
  • Personal Statement – explaining how your marriage affects your ability to pay for school

*We may request additional documents, including tax forms, as needed. After all documents are submitted and reviewed, you will receive notice in 3-5 days of the results.

Need help?

Contact our Verification Team: verifyfafsa@usu.edu
Updating your FAFSA can be confusing, but don’t worry—we’re here to help! Reach out anytime, and let’s make sure your financial aid works for YOU!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Do I HAVE to update my marital status after getting married?
    Nope! You’re not required to change your FAFSA after marriage unless it benefits your aid eligibility.
  2. Can I update my FAFSA before I get married?
    No. You must wait until after your marriage date to make changes.
  3. Will changing my marital status automatically get me a Pell Grant?
    Not necessarily. Aid eligibility depends on household size, income, and other factors. We won’t know until your documents are processed.
  4. What if I miss the deadline?
    Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait for the next FAFSA year to update your marital status.
  5. What if updating my FAFSA makes me LESS eligible?
    If we determine your update reduces your aid, we’ll revert your FAFSA back to "single" (“independent” or "dependent”) to avoid negative impacts. However, when you complete the next FAFSA, you must report your current situation as is.
  6. What if my spouse is ALSO a USU student?
    You both need to submit separate FAFSA applications—there’s no joint FAFSA for married students.
  7. How long does the process take?
    It varies! Changes can take one week to a month, depending on processing time and document submission.

About other updates:

If you believe your federal aid offer does not reflect your current circumstances, please visit our appeals webpage and contact our office. Remember, we have a full team of dedicated staff ready to help you along the way.