Financial Aid

Required Supplemental Documents

Families must upload the following documents via the School’s ISM FAST Financial Aid Portal.
All documents listed are required unless specifically noted as “if applicable.”

1. Family & Household Information

• Proof of Residency (lease agreement or mortgage statement). No other documents will be accepted.
• Divorce/Separation Documentation (e.g., divorce decree, separation agreement, custody agreement), if applicable.

2. Income Verification

• 2025 Tax Returns. If not yet available at the time of submission, families must upload a written statement explaining the delay and provide an expected filing date. The completed return must be submitted promptly once available.
• W-2s or 1099s for all working household members.
• Pay Stubs (last two pay periods for each income earner).
• Self-Employment Income:
  - Business Tax Returns (Forms 1120, 1120S, K-1, Schedule C, if applicable).
  - Profit & Loss Statement (if applicable).
• Other Income Documentation (e.g., Social Security, child support, alimony, rental income, or other sources), if applicable. 

3. Assets & Liabilities

• Bank Statements (last 3 months for all checking and savings accounts).
• Investment Statements (e.g., stocks, bonds, securities, trusts, and retirement accounts), if applicable.
• Real Estate Holdings (e.g., mortgage statement, property tax records, rental income documents), if applicable.
• Business Assets (if applicable): Business financial statements, 
• Debt & Liabilities (e.g., credit card balances, personal loans, car loans, or other major financial obligations).

4. Student-Specific Financials

• 529 College Savings Plan: 529 Plan Statement (if applicable).
• Student Trusts: Trust documentation (if applicable).

5. Required Forms for All Applicants

• Statement of Accuracy Agreement
  - All applicants must sign a Statement of Accuracy Agreement, confirming that the information provided is complete and accurate. Any misrepresentation or omission of financial details will result in immediate denial of financial aid and may lead to disenrollment from AGBU MDS.
  
  - The signed document must be uploaded to FAST as part of the application process.

• Family Monthly Budget Form
  - All applicants must complete a Monthly Budget Form, providing an accurate and comprehensive breakdown of household income and expenses. The form must be completed on a cash basis, reflecting actual income received and expenses paid during the reporting period. 
  
  - The completed document must be uploaded to FAST as part of the application process.
  
  
• Special Circumstances Form (if needed)
  - If applicable, the Special Circumstances Form allows families to document and explain significant financial hardships that may impact their eligibility for aid. Special circumstances that are not documented at the time of submission cannot be considered during the initial review and may require an appeal after a decision is made.
  
  - The completed and signed document must be uploaded to FAST as part of the application process.
  
  
• Credit Report Authorization and Release Form
  - The Credit Report Authorization and Release Form authorizes the school to request and review a credit report for all financial aid applicants. The credit report will be used to assess the applicant's financial situation and verify their ability to meet financial obligations.
  
  - The signed document must be uploaded to FAST as part of the application process.
  
  
• Letter to School Statement
  - This letter provides families with an opportunity to share additional information about their financial circumstances, unique challenges, or any other relevant details that may not be captured in the standard forms or documentation. 
  
  
  • What to Include: 
    Families may include the following details in their letter:
    • Explanation of any financial hardships or changes in circumstances (e.g., job loss, medical expenses, or unexpected events).
    • Details about any significant expenses or obligations not covered in the application forms.
    • Family priorities regarding education and why financial aid is essential to their ability to continue enrollment at AGBU MDS.
    • Any other information the family believes is relevant to their financial aid request.
  • The document must be uploaded to FAST as part of the application process.

Submission Guidelines

• All required documents must be uploaded to FAST by the application deadline.
• Files must be in PDF format, clearly labeled, and legible (screenshots or photos are not accepted).
• Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

4. Verification & Review Process

• Initial Review: The School’s Chief Financial Officer will verify all submitted documents for completeness and accuracy.
• Discrepancy Checks: If discrepancies are found, families will be asked to provide additional documentation.
• Final Decision: Awards are based on a comprehensive review of income, assets, expenses, and need.

5. Confidentiality & Compliance

All submitted documents are strictly confidential and used solely for financial aid determination. The FAST site is secure, and only the CFO of AGBU MDS has full access to families’ financial documents. AGBU MDS adheres to data security best practices to ensure sensitive information is handled securely.

Resources to Help You Apply

• A Guide to Completing the FAST Family Application: Step-by-step instructions for completing the application.
• How to Upload Additional Documents to Your FAST Application: Learn how to upload required documents.
• How to Provide Consent for Review of Your Taxes: Understand the consent process for tax verification.
• Frequently Asked Questions for Families: Quick answers to common questions.

Contact for Assistance 

If you have any questions, please contact: 

• ISM Fast Support: familysupport@ismfast.com or 1-877-326-FAST (3278)
• AGBU MDS -  financialaid@agbumds.org