The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is where it all begins for a student applying for a loan. It is the federal application form for financial aid; it is also used as the financial aid application for other sources, like the state or school. It is used not only for the different types of student loans, like the Federal Stafford Loans and the Parent PLUS Loans, but also for other types of financial aid, like grants and work-study programs. The information you provide through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is what the US Department of Education (ED) uses to deduce your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Financial aid is open to most students. In order to qualify for financial aid, you need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In turn, in order to qualify for a FAFSA, you need to meet several requirements. First of all, you need to be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen, have a Social Security Number and a high school diploma/GED. Further, you need to show that you do not owe any federal student grant refunds and that you are not in default in student loans. In addition, males from the ages of 18-25 need to be registered with the US Selective Service. During the time you are given federal financial aid, you cannot be caught with or selling illegal drugs. After the US Department of Education (ED) processes your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the results are sent to the financial aid offices to the school(s) you have specified.