Unless you plan to pay for your postsecondary education out of pocket, you need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for financial assistance. This application opens the doors to many kinds of financial aid—Federal Pell Grants, Federal Stafford Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized), Federal PLUS Loans for parents, GradPLUS Loans for graduate and professional degree students, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Work-Study, and Federal Perkins Loans.
You will need to file a new FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible each year you go to school.