College-bound students of Libby and Kalispell will have a helping hand in applying for financial aid during free workshops hosted by Flathead Valley Community College Nov. 1 and 13.

The workshops aims to help both students and their families complete forms for scholarships and students loans, including Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Students and families applying for FAFSA must provide Federal Student Aid identification numbers, which can be obtained at fsaid.ed.gov (students and at least one parent will need identification numbers if the student is under the age of 24); Social Security numbers (for students and parents); 2016 federal income tax returns; W-2 forms, tribal income or other aid information such as TANF, child support or other benefits; and additional asset information including money market funds, stocks and other investments.

The application process takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete, but financial aid professionals say the potential financial benefit makes the time investment worthwhile.

The workshops are scheduled for Nov. 1 at the Lincoln County campus from 3-7 p.m. in room 123 and for Nov. 13 at the Kalispell campus from noon to 6 p.m. in room 134 of the Broussard Center. No appointments are required.

The priority FAFSA filing date for Montana schools is Dec. 1.

For FAFSA tips and reminders, text FAFSAHelp to 41411.

For more information about the Libby workshop, contact Deb Huisentruit at (406)293-2721.

For more information about the Kalispell workshop, contact Lauren Krigbaum at (406)756-3849.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.