Education Dept. to screen FAFSA applications for identity fraud
In committeeS. 4428Latest action
Sponsor: Ashley Moody · Senator · FL
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the use of an identity fraud detection system in reviewing Free Applications for Federal Student Aid.
119th Congress
Topics: Education
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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Starting Oct. 1, 2026, every FAFSA will be screened for identity fraud before federal aid can be released.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill requires the Department of Education to use an automated system to check every FAFSA for signs of fake or stolen identities. If an application looks suspicious, the applicant and their listed colleges must be notified. Before releasing any federal aid money, the college must verify the applicant's identity in person or by live video call.
Who does it affect?
This affects students applying for federal financial aid, colleges and universities that distribute that aid, and the Department of Education. The Department must also report to Congress on how the system works, before it launches and every year after.
Why does it matter?
The screening requirement means some applicants flagged by the system will face extra identity verification steps before receiving aid. Colleges take on a new responsibility to confirm identities and report results back to the Department.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedApr 29, 2026
- Senate committeeYou are here · Apr 29, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.