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Session #14. Resolving Database Match Results (SAR-C codes) and CPS Rejects Ginger Klock Teri Hunt Ida Mondragón. Session Objectives. Learn how the CPS generates “C” codes and selects records for rejects Understand what the SAR ”C” codes and rejects are telling you
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Session #14 Resolving Database Match Results (SAR-C codes) and CPS Rejects Ginger Klock Teri Hunt Ida Mondragón
Session Objectives Learn how the CPS generates “C” codes and selects records for rejects Understand what the SAR ”C” codes and rejects are telling you Learn how you can help the student correct the data, eliminate the reject or “C” code and how and when you can or cannot disburse aid based on remaining “C” codes
Agenda • CPS Processing • Edits • EFC Calculation • Verification Selection • Data Matches • CPS Matches • Social Security Administration • Veterans Affairs • Department of Homeland Security • NSLDS • Selective Service • Rejects
The CPS • Receives data • Processes data • Calculates EFC • Disseminates data to students, schools and other agencies
Options for submitting FAFSA data • Web Applications and Corrections (English & Spanish) • Paper Applications and Corrections (English & Spanish) • Schools and Third Party Servicers Applications and Corrections using FAA Access on the Web or EDconnect and SAIG
Initial Receipt and Editing • Ensures data and files are valid according to the specifications • Checks for field length and valid values • Pulls forward and converts previous cycle data for Renewal Applications
Processing Edits • Substantive edits on application data to determine if EFC can be calculated • Edit for basic eligibility requirements (name, date of birth, citizenship, drug offense conviction, dependency status) • Edit for validity and consistency of financial data
Assumption Edits • Assume a logical response for missing or incorrect data based on comparison with other responses provided by the applicant • Assumed values are used in calculating the EFC • Data is identified as assumed for both the student and the FAA • Some assumptions can be overridden by the student or an FAA
Reject Edits • Missing or significant conflict in key information, and a logical assumption cannot be made • An EFC is not calculated • Fields are highlighted and SAR comments are provided • A correction is required
Types of Rejects • Alpha reject codes indicate reject reasons that are verifiable - that is, the student can verify the questionable data by re-entering the same value, or can correct it to a different value • Numeric reject codes are not verifiable - the questioned data must be changed or provided • Most alpha rejects and a few numeric rejects can be overridden by an FAA
Warning Edits • Data is questionable or contradicting but not severe enough to be rejected • Includes cross year edits • EFC is calculated • Fields are highlighted and SAR comments are provided
EFC Calculation • Performed for non-rejected and signature only rejected records • Calculate primary and secondary EFC if SNT is met and asset information is provided • Calculate eleven alternate EFCs for programs of less than and greater than nine months
Verification Selection • Records with EFCs or rejected for missing signatures only • Goal is to select 30% of all applicants • 100 targeted criteria used - each with an associated score • Total score used to determine if record will be selected • Only Pell eligibles selected except for random selection
Data Matches • Department of Homeland Security (DHS) • Selective Service • Veterans Affairs (VA) • National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) • Social Security Administration (SSA)
EDE Destinations (Schools, States and Servicers) Paper FAFSA (IDC) FAFSA on the Web Products/ FAA Access SAIG Internet FSAIC Social Security Admin Social Security Admin. CPS COD Selective Service Dept of Homeland Security NSLDS Veterans Affairs
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Match for eligible non-citizen
When can I disburse for an eligible non-citizen? • “Y” flag in the DHS Match Flag • ISIR field 276 or • “Y” flag in the Secondary DHS Match Flag • ISIR field 277
When can I disburse with a “C” code for eligible non-citizen? • No response from DHS on Secondary Confirmation submission • 15 days • supporting documentation • See FSA Handbook • Vol. 1, Chapter 2
When do I have to do Secondary Confirmation? • When you get a ___ flag in the Secondary DHS Match Flag - ISIR field 277 • “P” - wait 10 days • “C” - wait 10 days • “X” - don’t wait • “N” - don’t wait
Where do I get a G-845 Form and where do I send it? • IFAP, Electronic Announcement, entitled, “Summary: Update on USCIS Field Offices for Submission of Immigration Status/Document Verification Request, G-845-New Field Office for Schools"
How do I fill out the G-845 form? • For best results be sure to provide: • DHS Verification Number in #5 (ISIR Field 279) • Add student SSN in item #8 in “Other” • “Submitting Agency” is YOU, the school • Supporting documentation needed MATCH FLAGS SSN Match Flag: 4 Selective service Registration Flag: Selective Service Match: Y DHS Match Flag; N DHS Verification #: 123456789012345 SSA Citizenship Code: DHS Sec. Conf. Flag: X VA Match Flag: 1 FSSN Match Flag: 4 NSLDS Match Flag: 1 NSLDS Database Results Flag: 4 MSSN Match Flag: 4
What happens if the applicant leaves the citizen question on the FAFSA blank? • Reject 17 • Unless, SSA confirms that the applicant is a U.S. Citizen - ISIR field 289 = “A” or is blank • Unless, the applicant provides an ARN • Correction to indicate citizen or eligible non-citizen, as appropriate Are you a U.S. citizen? Mark one.
What if the applicant corrects to “citizen” but SSA does not confirm? • Reject 17 will disappear • “C” code requires resolution: collect documentation showing proof of citizenship such as birth certificate or passport
What if the applicant corrects from eligible non-citizen to citizen or changes the ARN? • New for 08-09 • SSA Match to check citizenship • ARN changes go to DHS Match • “C” code if SSA does not confirm • Collect documentation • Make correction to SAR
Can I disburse when the Selective Service Match flag is N (not registered) and there is a “C” code? • ONLY when you have documentation of Registration Acknowledgement or letter of registration from Selective Service OR if the applicant qualifies for a waiver or exemption
What’s up with adding a response of “Female” to FAFSA Question 21? • More direct question so females won’t leave the question blank • Blank responses are sent to the SS match • Less documentation required -- for females not confirmed by SS
What do I do when a Veteran is not confirmed by VA? • Independent Student • VA does not confirm • “C” code • Collect documentation • Make a correction to SAR
What happens when a student responds “Yes” to active duty, but not to Veteran? • Independent Student • No Match with VA • If Veteran is “Yes” and VA does not confirm, still Independent
What correction is needed to get off the Drug Abuse Hold File? • Reject 19 • DOJ refers records to FSA • Debarment Expiration Date • Student works with Parole Officer and the courts • New ISIR not automatic • FSA: 202-377-3385
Is there any way I can disburse on a “C” code because of FAFSA Drug Question 31? • Cannot be left blank • Must make correction • Must eliminate “C” code
What is the purpose of CPS sending NSLDS aid history information? • First alerts • Providing Caution • Information outside your own school • Assists in your own reporting to NSLDS
What NSLDS information does CPS provide that causes the “C” code? • FSEOG, Perkins or Grants in Fraud or in Overpayment • Defaulted Loans • Bankrupt Loans • Discharged Loans • Close to or Exceeding Loan Limits • Identifier Mismatch
So, do I have to eliminate the “C” code before I can disburse? • Timing of updates to NSLDS • Never pay on a “C” code without appropriate documentation
Where do I find out more about the NSLDS information? • NSLDS Sessions • #1 Security & What’s New • #2 NSLDS Aggregate calculations • #23 NSLDS for Beginners - hands on • FSA Handbook: Volume 1, Chapter 3 • ISIR Guide: NSLDS Financial Aid History and Appendices B and C • www.nsldsfap.ed.gov
SSA indicates that SSN is invalid or belongs to a deceased individual • An EFC will not be calculated • If SSN Correct • Student contacts SSA • Then reaffirm SSN on SAR • If SSN is NOT Correct • Correct SSN on SAR • Can re-file with the Correct SSN
SSA does not confirm Name or DOB for student • An EFC will not be calculated • If Name/DOB is correct • Student encouraged to contact SSA • Reaffirm Name/DOB on SAR • Record goes back to SSA for Match • If SSA still does not confirm, • CPS reject will be suppressed • “C” code will remain • Documentation required before disbursing
What if SSA confirms the second time around? • No “C” code. No further resolution required • For Parents • Even if SSA does not confirm after parent reaffirms, no further resolution required
Do I have to resolve “C” codes for SSA mismatches for parents? • No “C” codes for parents • Parents encouraged to contact SSA to resolve discrepancies • Require a full match for at least one parent • Rejects must be resolved
Reject Codes and Reject Reasons • Reject Codes • Alpha/numeric • Verifiable/non-verifiable • Information is highlighted • FAA overrides
What happens when parents enter all zeros for SSN, but indicate Tax Filer? • Reject:J, K • Reason: If they filed taxes, they should have SSN • Resolution: Correct or re-enter to verify—FAA Documentation for student
When will a student get a signature reject? • Reject:14, 15, 16 • Reason:Failed SSA match or Student/ Parent failed to sign paper FAFSA, Signature page or SAR • Resolution: Correct at SSA or Provide signature
What if student/parent reports income greater than IRS filing requirements? • New edit • Reject:20 • Reason:Non-filer with income greater than IRS filing requirements • Resolution: Correct or FAA override with documentation