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The Department of Education released details on the rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid, noting that the previously announced Dec. 31 deadline represented a “soft launch period,” during which officials will monitor for technical issues, field concerns from families and make last-minute tweaks.

As previously announced in the Nov. 15, 2023, Electronic Announcement, students and families will be able to complete and submit the 2024–25 FAFSA form online by Dec. 31. The Department will be treating the period leading up to and following Dec. 31 as a soft launch period, which will allow them to monitor and respond in real time to any potential issues impacting the applicant experience.

Students and families are encouraged​ to go to StudentAid.gov to learn more. The page will be updated to include basic information about the soft launch and what they can anticipate. Resources for completing the 2024-25 FAFSA form—including instructions for creating a StudentAid.gov account without a Social Security number, how to complete the new 2024-25 FAFSA form, and what to do before and after completing the FAFSA form—will also be made available on StudentAid.gov closer to the 2024-25 FAFSA form launch.

Again, go to the rollout of the "soft launch period" to lean more.

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