Information on federal student financial aid is provided for counselors. Step-by-step instructions on how to complete the federal application are provided, and application procedures that must be followed in these special circumstances are described: dependent students, independent students, national disaster area asset adjustment, and correcting the application. The following federal student aid programs administered by the United States Department of Education are covered: Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, College Work-Study program, National Direct Student Loans, Guaranteed Student Loans (GSL), and Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). Information is included on loan repayment, deferment, and default for each program. Appendices provide important deadline dates, addresses, phone numbers, and a listing of publications dealing with financial aid. Citizenship requirements for receiving federal aid from the Department of Education are also explained, and a list of state agencies providing information on GSL and PLUS loans and state student aid is included. Included are form 1 and 2 of the Application for Federal Student Aid, as well as a glossary. (SW)