Parents and families
Confused by the FAFSA? You are not alone.
College forms can feel built for someone else.
Our free FAFSA help for parents comes from a college funding specialist who walks you through every line.
Free, private and in plain language.
Line by lineFrom first login to aid offer
What we do
We explain it. You make the choices.
Here is what our help covers, start to finish.
Where can parents get free FAFSA help?
EAESSI offers free FAFSA help for parents across Northern Virginia, one on one or at a workshop. A college funding specialist helps you set up accounts, complete the form, check for errors and compare aid offers. There is no fee.
Account setup
FSA IDs for you and your student.
The form, line by line
We sit with you until it is submitted.
An error check
We review your FAFSA Submission Summary.
An offer review
We compare offers by net cost and help you appeal.
Deadlines
File early. Some aid runs out.
Timing matters as much as accuracy. Our FAFSA help for parents keeps you ahead of it.
The FAFSA for the 2027 to 2028 school year is expected to open by October 1, 2026, according to Sallie Mae.
Virginia colleges set earlier priority dates, so filing in October or November is safest. See all the deadlines.
Who we help
Which one of these sounds like you?
Parents bring us the same worries. Here is what we tell them.
"We probably make too much."
There is no income cutoff to file. Many families who file still qualify for some aid.
"I'm nervous about sharing our income."
The FAFSA uses tax data to figure out aid. We explain what is asked and why.
"I don't have a Social Security number."
Parents without one can still create an account and complete the form.
"We can't afford college at all."
Start with free money. See how to pay for college without loans.
How it works
Four steps. One plan.
Here is how FAFSA help for parents works with EAESSI.
Book a session
Pick a private session or a workshop. Both offer free FAFSA help for parents.
Bring your papers
Tax details, ID numbers if you have them and your college list.
File together
We complete the form with you, line by line.
Plan the cost
Compare offers and build a plan with as little debt as possible.
Common questions
Straight answers for parents.
Is FAFSA help for parents really free?
Yes. Our FAFSA help for parents costs nothing, from your first login to your aid offers.
Is our information safe?
We use your information only to help you complete the FAFSA. The form itself is filed securely on StudentAid.gov.
Do both divorced parents fill it out?
Usually not. The parent who gave the most financial support in the last 12 months completes the parent section.
What if we already filed?
Our FAFSA help for parents includes reviewing your FAFSA Submission Summary and fixing errors before your aid is set.
Can my teen get help too?
Yes. Our free youth mentorship program pairs teens with trained mentors.
Can we meet virtually?
Reach out and we will tell you which meeting options are available for FAFSA help for parents.
Parents and families
You do not have to figure this out alone. Book your free session.
Free for families in Northern Virginia and beyond.
About EAESSI
Evelyn Ancrum Education Support Systems (EAESSI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Spotsylvania, Virginia. We help uninsured women get breast screenings, help Virginia students pay for college and help teens grow as leaders.