If any of your supporting documents were not accepted, you either provided the incorrect type of document (i.e. your W2 instead of your tax return), your name was not visible on the document, your document was not legible, we could not open your document, or your document did not support your listed amount on your application.

On your Transitional Funding Status page, you should see a note next to each document explaining why we were not able to accept that document and what additional paperwork we need.

After you complete the first two pages of your Need-Based Financial Support application, you'll be taken to a page with a list of the required supporting documentation you'll need in order to submit your application. Once you've uploaded each of the required documents, you'll be able to click the "submit" button which means your application has been officially submitted to our team for review. Note that you will need to submit your application by the deadline provided in order for us to offer you any need-based package.

If you are independent and did not file a tax return in the previous year, you will need to provide a signed statement explaining that you are independent and did not file taxes in the previous year. Include the number of any dependents you claim and any earned income.

We can accept the first four pages of the most recent tax return you were claimed on (if the tax return is under four pages, send all pages of the tax return).

Teach For America can accept a screenshot from your financial aid review on the national student loan database website.

Examples of acceptable documents to verify your loans are a screenshot from your financial aid review summary on the national student loan database or Financial Aid award letter(s) from your school verifying total amount of your loans. You may also provide a statement from your bursar, a printout from your online account summary or a statement from your lenders.

Have other questions or need more help? Contact us

If your parents will not provide a tax return, we will accept a signed statement. In the statement, explain that your parent(s) will not provide a tax return, list the number of any additional dependents claimed, and provide their adjusted gross income. If they will not provide you with their adjusted gross income, note that on your statement.

Have other questions or need more help? Contact us

Teach For America aims to review all applications within no more than a week, and within 2-5 days during our confirmation windows.

Once your need-based financial support application is submitted, you can find the status by clicking the "Need-Based Financial Support" link on the "Help with Expenses" section of your Applicant Center and clicking "Need-Based Financial Support Status" on the left-hand side. Once your Need-Based Package is ready, you will be able to see it on the upper-right-hand side of your applicant center landing page. Note that your Need-Based package does not include any Transitional Support Stipend you were also offered.

If you made a mistake on your application (i.e. listed the incorrect loan amount) or need to add anything to your application, reach out to us and explain the specific correction you need to make.