Why use one form when you can use many?

Apparently I've been "randomly" tasked with completing forms dealing with income verification in order to get work study (and/or student loans) in the Fall.

I talked to financial aid on campus the other day, and was told that while my prospects were good to receive Work Study funds for the fall, I would also have to complete an Independent Verification form to verify the information on my FAFSA. I was told it was random.

I don't even want to get into the bit about why I don't think it is very random, but I do want to touch on the fact that this federally mandated requirement comes with it a bunch of extra work for me. Among other things, I'm required to provide a signed copy of my tax return, my W-2's, Lease agreement and the canceled checks/money orders for my last four months of rent.

This sounds very straight-forward except for a few snags. First of all, I e-file taxes. And, since they don't accept that type of proof, I'm now required to ALSO fill out a 1040. Secondly, I also have to provide the lease agreement for my apartment as well as the canceled rent checks. This could be a problem, especially since I don't pay my rent with checks. I pay them in cash. I just hate having money floating around in signed checks. I live with my landlord, it's just easier to give her cash.

Now, I can go on and on about the ridiculousness of this process but I can't change what I have to do. I understand that people probably lie on their FAFSA forms to get more student aid or WHATEVER, but to be jerks about the requirements and create a considerable amount of work for me to complete it , just so I can get work study in the fall, is ludicrous.