The federal FAFSA form used to apply for college financial aid opened to high school seniors across the nation on Thursday, a year after a disastrous rollout by the Biden administration delayed the application for months.

Senator Mark Warner is urging the Department of Education to expedite the review process of FAFSA form issues, criticizing the effectiveness of recent changes ahead of the 2024-25 rollout.

The Roanoke Higher Education Center is hosting an event on Saturday to help families and students fill out the FAFSA. The FAFSA helps determine if students are eligible for state and school aid when they are heading to or already attending college or university.

Changes are coming to the Free Application for Student Aid, better known as FAFSA, for the 2024-2025 school year.

Beginning Oct. 1, families sending a student to college will be able to complete the free application for federal student aid, otherwise known as FAFSA. Financial expert Megan Gorman says it’s important to fill out the FAFSA early. “There’s $150 billion out there of federal aid, and this aid comes in loans, grants and even work study programs, but here’s the thing you have to remember: it’s a first come, first serve basis,” Gorman says. Families facing financial hardship can take extra steps to request a “professional judgment” review, submitting information like layoff notices or unemployment checks. College financial aid offices then have the discretion to make adjustments to the FAFSA so students can qualify for more aid.