TEA FAFSA Letter for Independent Student Status of UHY Determination Sample

This sample verification letter supports local McKinney-Vento liaisons in documenting and verifying Unaccompanied Homeless Youth (UHY) status for federal financial aid purposes. The updated version clarifies required language and aligns with federal financial aid eligibility requirements.

What's new? This revision updates the language throughout the form to more closely align with current federal guidance under the Higher Education Act and FAFSA Simplification Act provisions related to Unaccompanied Homeless Youth determinations. While the 2021 version was not incorrect, the revised language reflects current terminology used in the FAFSA process and provides greater clarity for both districts and postsecondary institutions. The form also clarifies references to the applicable FAFSA determination year to help reduce confusion during the verification process.

Why it matters:

• Aligns district documentation with current federal financial aid guidance.
• Provides clearer and more consistent verification language for colleges and universities.
• Helps reduce confusion during FAFSA verification and eligibility review.
• Supports eligible students in accessing financial aid and postsecondary opportunities.

How to use it:

• Use when a student has been determined to be an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth and requires documentation for FAFSA purposes.
• Complete the verification letter based on the district's McKinney-Vento eligibility determination.
• Pair with documentation from the SRQ and TEHCY Follow-Up Intake Form to support the underlying eligibility determination and student records.

This update ensures districts are using FAFSA verification language that better reflects current federal guidance, helping students experiencing homelessness access financial aid with fewer documentation barriers.