If you or your child plan on attending college next fall, the time to apply for financial aid is now. Earlier this year, NBC15 told you about submitting your free application for federal student aid -- FAFSA. If you've been struggling with the paperwork, there are a number of free, local help sessions.

The FAFSA is an important part of the college check list, according to Amy Schwab, a school counselor at La Follette High School in Madison. "I would say it's one of the biggest stressors for families."

The FAFSA must be submitted to be considered for federal and state financial aid including grants and loans. The amount of money awarded is all determined by a formula that shows the expected family contribution. It takes into account the parent's and student's income and assets as well as the cost to attend a specific school.

"We go to college events where reps are there speaking to us as school counselors, they always say to make sure every family fills out the FAFSA," said Schwab. "Partly because you don't know what you'll qualify for until you do it and a lot of families are surprised to see that they do qualify."

For more than 10 years, College Goal Wisconsin has benefited more than 22,000 Wisconsin students. Between October 4 - November 8, there will be 43 free help sessions offered around the state. To see the one closest to you, click on the related links. There are several document needed to complete the FAFSA. A complete list is also listed on this page.

Autoplay Caption

Want help filling out your FAFSA? Then attend one of 43 College Goal Wisconsin events happening around the state from October 4 - November 8. All events start at 6 p.m. To find the free help session nearest you, click the embedded link. WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:



2016 Federal Tax Return and W2s

2016 Untaxed Income Records (examples: child support or veteran's non-education benefits

Information on saving, investments, business assets and farm assets

Cell phone (if you have one)

Driver's License (if you have one)

Social Security Number

Alien Registration Card or Permanent Resident Card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)

Date of birth for parent(s)

Month and year of parents' marriage, divorce, or separation More about College Goal Wisconsin: Since 2006, more than 22,000 Wisconsin students have received free help completing the FAFSA. College Goal Wisconsin is a non-profit organization that wants to help students put their hands on money for college by accessing federal and state financial aid. The statewide program is designed to assist students and families in timely completion of the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA). College Goal Wisconsin is an all-volunteer 501 (c) (3) program that includes the commitment and support of many secondary and higher education communities.