Financial Documentation | ADEA Help Center

Individuals must submit documentation to aid ADEA in determining their FAP eligibility. To be eligible, the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) must be at or below 300% of the 2024 U.S. poverty guidelines, as determined by the tax forms submitted. If multiple tax forms are submitted (for example, self and parent), the AGI should be combined and both must be less than 300% of the 2024 U.S. poverty guidelines.

2025 ADEA FAP Eligibility
Persons in family/household	2024 Poverty Guideline*	ADEA's Guideline *300% of Poverty Guideline*
1	$15,060	$45,180
2	$20,440	$61,320
3	$25,820	$77,460
4	$31,200	$93,600
5	$36,580	$109,740
6	$41,960	$124,020
7	$47,340	$142,020
8	$52,720	$158,160
*Reference: HHS

While relevant documentation may be different for each individual, they typically include:

1. IRS 1040 Federal Tax Form

A 2024 IRS 1040 tax return form filed with the IRS. The document must display the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). ADEA FAP does not need Schedules or Forms associated with the tax return. This document must have been filed with the IRS. For more information on 1040 tax returns: irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040

Submit a 1040 for:

A. Self (if earned money and filed in 2024)

B. Spouse (if married, and the spouse earned money and filed in 2024)

C. Parent/Guardian (if listed as dependent, and parent/guardian earned money filed in 2024)

2. W2 or 1099 Form

The W2 Wage and Tax Statement form is the document an employer sends to employees and the IRS at the end of the calendar year. A W2 reports an employee’s annual wages and the amount of taxes withheld from their paychecks. In some cases, an individual may have a 1099 instead of a W2; a 1099 form is used by independent contractors and to report other income.

Submit a W2 or 1099 for:

A. Self (if earned money and filed taxes in 2024)

B. Spouse (if married, and the spouse earned money and filed taxes in 2024)

C. Guardian (if listed as dependent, and parent/guardian earned money and filed in 2024)

3. FAFSA

Individuals enrolled in school must provide a copy of their 2024-25 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) award notification. The FAFSA award notification must include:

· Total financial award,

· Expected family contribution (EFC),

· Cost of attendance,

· Awardee’s name,

· Institution’s name and

· Award date.

Individuals enrolled in school who did not receive financial aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-25 academic year are required to provide a letter from their institution stating the student did not receive financial aid for the academic year. This letter must be on the institution’s letterhead and signed by a representative in the financial aid office.

Individuals not enrolled in school in 2024-25 must submit an explanation in the FAP application but do not need to submit documentation.

If a dollar amount is included in the EFC line on the award notification, the individual is considered a dependent and must submit tax documentation for that family member.

4. Additional earnings in 2024

Individuals must disclose all additional earnings acquired during 2024. This may include sources such as Social Security, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Veteran’s Benefits, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), housing subsidies, child support, alimony, spousal maintenance (inclusive of monthly income, food, and housing allowances), among others. Required documentation for these earnings should include dates eligible and the amount received.

5. Other Circumstances in 2024

Individuals can provide documentation of extenuating circumstances in 2024 to provide context to their application.

All documentation must be combined into one file to submit with the FAP application.

Individuals must submit at least one set of U.S. tax documents. If no tax documents are available for the individual and/or their parent/guardian(s), if applicable, the individual is not eligible for FAP.