Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I re-apply for financial aid for the next academic year?
A: The FAFSA becomes available each January for the following academic year, and you should apply as early as possible because many financial aid programs have limited funding that will go only to early applicants. For best results, apply each year by April 15th.
Q: How do I know if I am Independent or Dependent for The FAFSA?
Q: Do I need to do anything else once I apply for Financial Aid?
A: Yes. You will need to submit additional documents. The required documents can be reviewed on your LOIS account.
Q: I have a negative balance on my account; I thought I had financial aid?
A: When the amount of financial aid awarded to you exceeds the charges on your account, a credit balance is created. The negative balance is the amount owed to you in the form of a refund which is disbursed by the Financial Services (Business) Office through Higher One.
*NOTE: Please make sure our Admissions Office has your current address.
Q: When will I receive my refund from my financial aid?
A: For students who are awarded before or during the registration process, no refund will be issued by the Financial Services (Business) Office until approximately 15 to 20 days after aid has been disbursed to your LSSC student account. For those students who are awarded after the registration period is over, please contact the Financial Services (Business) Office to find out when you will receive your refund.
Q: I received a bill, but I have been awarded financial aid. What do I do?
A: If the amount of financial aid awarded exceeds your total charges then a courtesy hold will be placed on your classes until the financial aid funds are disbursed to your account
Q: If I have been awarded a loan, when will I receive my loan funds?
A: First time borrowers in the first year of study cannot receive their first disbursement until thirty (30) days after the term begins. Refunds will be issued by the Financial Services (Business) Office approximately 15 to 20 days after aid has been disbursed to your account.
Q: I didn’t file a tax return and I have no income. What do I put on the FAFSA application?
A: If you have no income and someone is paying your bills for you, then you must list the amount of money being paid on your behalf under question 44 of the FAFSA application. If you do not list any source of income or you have unusually low income, you will be required to fill out a Low Income form.
Q. I have been awarded Bright Futures, how do I get my information to the school?
A. Students should contact the FL Department of Education at 1-888-827-2004 or go to the website at www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org to select the institution you will be attending. In addition, you should contact the Financial Aid Office.
Q. How do I utilize Bright Futures at LSSC for the payment of classes?
A: The basic eligibility requirements for Bright Futures are that you must be a Florida resident and a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen (as determined by Lake-Sumter State College), must be degree seeking, register for at least 6 credit hours per term, have completed an error-free, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov and have your High School and all college transcripts submitted to LSSC. *Please note: Bright Futures does not pay for college preparatory classes.
Q. How do I qualify for Work-Study?
A: To be eligible for the Work Study program you must first apply for financial aid using the FAFSA application. Eligibility criteria include: must have verifiable need, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, and be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit/load hours.
Q. How do I apply for the Childcare scholarship? Does the childcare facility need to be licensed and accredited?
A: Click Here to apply for a Childcare scholarship. Follow the directions listed on this page and make sure to include all required documentation to avoid any delay in processing your application. To qualify for childcare assistance, the childcare facility must be both licensed and accredited.
Q: I have been suspended from financial aid for low completion ratio or low GPA. What do I do?
A: If a student has mitigating circumstances (beyond his/her control), he/she can file an appeal at our forms page. Students must provide backup documentation of their mitigating circumstances to be considered. Failure to provide documentation will result in the denial of the appeal.