After a tumultuous last year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA, is up and running again.

The FAFSA was overhauled last year after Congress ordered the U.S. Department of Education to make widespread changes to the system. The goal was to make it easier to fill out and to give better access to low-income families. But repeated delays occurred after the department incorrectly calculated the aid for some students.

“We called it the FAFSA fiasco last year,” said Laura Baxter, the director of college counseling at the Key School in Annapolis. “Kids were applying to school, they were hearing back, and then they didn’t have their financial aid piece along with their decision.”

But now, experts and officials say, the kinks have been worked out. Maryland was one of the states that participated in beta testing for this year’s form, which has so far gone smoothly.

Here’s what to know about the form:

Do I have to fill out the FAFSA?

Looking to receive federal grants, work-study funds, loans or a Pell Grant? You need to fill out the FAFSA.

The form is important because it “gives students their options,” said Al Dorsett, the director of the Office of Student Financial Assistance at the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

“Whether you are going to a traditional four-year institution or you’re going to a community college or you’re going to do an internship or a career path, completing that FAFSA lets you know what resources are really out there for you to make the best choice as possible,” Dorsett said. “If you don’t complete it, you don’t know what options you have.”

What’s the deadline for filling out the form?

While the FAFSA isn’t technically due until June 30, students should try to fill out the form as soon as possible, as some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

“The funding is not never-ending,” said Shari Friedman, a coordinator at the nonprofit Charting Careers, which works with low-income and first-generation-to-college students. “It is imperative to get it in as soon as possible to really set yourself up for success.”

What will the form ask?

Students and families can find a sample of the FAFSA form here.

The form asks students basic identifying information, including their Social Security number, address and contact information. Additionally, students are asked to fill out demographic information, though that’s just for research purposes and does not impact the amount of aid they qualify for.

Students have to answer about their personal circumstances, including whether they’ve served in the military or have been in foster care, for example.

Parents are also expected to fill out parts of the form, including information about their income.

How long does the FAFSA take to fill out?

As long as you’re prepared, the form should take about 18 minutes to complete, Baxter, the college advisor at the Key School, said.

All federal forms are “daunting,” she said.

“It sounds overwhelming and it seems invasive,” she said. “But it’s definitely easier than you think.”

Students and families should have their Social Security numbers, their tax information and banking information on hand when filling out the form to make the process go by quicker. If they’re filling it out online, they can import their tax information directly from the IRS.

Where can I go if I have questions?

If you’re confused or have specific questions, there are many places you can get help.

The Maryland Higher Education Commission has virtual appointments available and families can also call 410-767-3300 or 800-9740-0203 to get help from a commission staff person.

Financial aid offices at colleges and universities can answer any questions you have, Baxter said.

“They want you to apply, and they want to get your FAFSA,” she said. “They will help you for free.”

Most high schools offer workshops on filling out the form. Baxter said families who need help in person should consider bringing their paperwork into their local community college’s financial aid office.

About the Education Hub This reporting is part of The Banner’s Education Hub, community-funded journalism that provides parents with resources they need to make decisions about how their children learn. Read more.