If you need financial aid to pay for college, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. The 2023–24 FAFSA form is now available. Fill it out as soon as possible on or after Oct. 1 at the official government site, fafsa.gov. Filling out FAFSA is not required to apply or attend college. However, if a student and their family doesn't fill out FAFSA, they won't be able to access any federal funding, grants, Direct Student loans or the Parent Plus loan.