To add one more important detail - when the FAFSA for 2025-2026 opens (likely October 1, 2024), you'll need your 2024 tax information, but you don't need to wait until you file your 2024 taxes in 2025 to complete the FAFSA. You can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to automatically import your tax information once you've filed, or you can update the FAFSA later if you submit it with estimated figures. But submitting early is always better for maximizing aid opportunities.

This is such helpful information! I'm also preparing for my son's 2025-2026 FAFSA and had the same confusion about tax years. One thing I learned from a financial aid workshop is that it's worth considering the timing of any major financial decisions in 2024 since that's what will be used for aid calculations. For example, if you're planning to sell investments or take distributions from retirement accounts, the timing could impact your Student Aid Index. Also, make sure to save all your 2024 tax documents in a dedicated folder - having everything organized will make the FAFSA process much smoother when it opens in October!

That's awesome that you got it sorted out! Just wanted to add - when you log into studentaid.gov to add the new school, make sure to double-check the school code before submitting. I accidentally added the wrong campus code for my transfer school (they had like 3 different codes for different programs) and it delayed everything by two weeks. The school codes are usually 6 digits and you can search for them on the FAFSA site. Also keep screenshots of the confirmation page showing you successfully added the school - saved me when there was a mix-up later!

As someone who's been through this exact situation, I can confirm what others have said - you CAN add schools to your FAFSA anytime before the June 30th deadline! I transferred mid-spring semester last year and had no issues adding my new school. The key thing is to act fast because while the federal government is flexible, individual schools have their own deadlines for institutional aid. Pro tip: after you add the school online, call both your current school's financial aid office AND your new school's office within 24-48 hours to confirm they received your FAFSA data. Sometimes there are processing glitches and it's better to catch them early. Also ask your new school specifically about any additional forms they might need for transfer students - some require their own institutional aid applications separate from the FAFSA. You've got this!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share some hope with you! I'm currently in my second year of an OT Master's program and was in a very similar situation - single parent, shocked by the graduate aid differences, and terrified about the financial burden. A few things that helped me specifically as an OT student: 1. AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association) has scholarships specifically for graduate students - many go unapplied for because people don't know about them. Check their website regularly as new ones are posted throughout the year. 2. Many hospitals and healthcare systems offer tuition assistance or loan forgiveness programs if you commit to working for them after graduation. Start researching these early because some require applications during your program. 3. The OT program at my school had a small emergency fund specifically for student parents - only $500-1000 at a time, but it helped cover unexpected expenses like when my car broke down during clinicals. 4. Don't underestimate the networking opportunities during your program. I connected with an OT who runs a private practice, and she hired me part-time during my second year doing admin work that I could do from home around my child's schedule. The debt is scary, but OT starting salaries in most areas are $65-75k, and there's huge demand right now. You're making the right choice for your family's future, even though it feels overwhelming right now. Feel free to reach out if you want to chat more about the OT program experience!

I'm also new here but wanted to share what I learned when I was in a similar situation last year. As a single parent who went through the graduate FAFSA shock, here are some additional resources that really helped me: 1. Contact your state's SNAP office - as a graduate student with low income and a dependent, you'll likely qualify for food assistance, which frees up more of your budget for other expenses. 2. Look into your local United Way chapter - they often have emergency assistance funds for people pursuing education, especially single parents. I got a $800 grant from them when I was struggling to pay for textbooks and supplies. 3. Check if your university has a "student parent" resource center or support group. Mine had monthly meetings where we shared resources, and I learned about so many programs I never would have found otherwise. 4. For your specific situation with a special needs child, look into respite care programs in your area. Some are income-based and could give you crucial study time. 5. Don't overlook community foundation scholarships in your area - many are specifically for adult learners or single parents and have fewer applicants than national scholarships. The transition to graduate aid is brutal, but you're not alone in this struggle. The fact that you're planning ahead and asking questions shows you're going to make it through this!

I'm new to this community and experiencing the exact same frustrating situation! Filed my FAFSA in early March, received my SAI confirmation about 2 weeks ago, but my NJFAMS portal is completely empty regarding my TAG grant status. I was really starting to worry that I had made some mistake in my application, but reading through everyone's experiences here has been such a huge relief! It's clear that these 4-6 week processing delays are unfortunately the new normal this year due to the FAFSA Simplification Act implementation. I really appreciate all the practical advice shared here - especially the tip about checking NJFAMS on weekends (thanks Jade!), waiting until the 30-day processed mark before calling HESAA, and using that Claimyr service to potentially get through phone queues faster. It's so helpful to have realistic timelines from people who've actually been through this process. Caleb's update about his data finally appearing after 34 days gives me hope that mine will show up soon too. Thank you all for creating such a supportive space - it makes this stressful waiting period so much more manageable knowing we're all in this together!

I'm a new member here and facing the exact same issue! Submitted my FAFSA in mid-February, got my SAI processed about 3.5 weeks ago, but my NJFAMS portal is still completely blank for TAG status. I was really starting to panic thinking I'd messed something up, but this entire thread has been so incredibly reassuring! It's amazing to see that these 4-6 week delays are apparently the norm this year due to the FAFSA Simplification Act changes. I had no idea that was even a factor. All the advice here is so practical - I'm definitely going to start checking NJFAMS on weekends (great tip, Jade!), wait until I hit that 30-day processed mark before calling HESAA, and I might even try that Claimyr service if I need to get through to them. Seeing Caleb's update about his data finally appearing after 34 days gives me real hope that mine will show up soon too. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and creating such a supportive environment - it makes this stressful waiting game so much more bearable knowing we're all going through this together!

To summarize what others have said: 1. You need to submit applications first, then get acceptances, before receiving official aid packages 2. Check for college-specific financial aid deadlines 3. Look at net price calculators for estimates (imperfect but helpful) 4. Consider calling financial aid offices directly for preliminary guidance 5. Don't forget about CSS Profile for private schools 6. Remember that merit scholarships can significantly change the equation Hope your son gets some good options with affordable prices!

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who went through this process recently! While you're waiting for acceptances and official aid packages, don't overlook state schools if your son hasn't already included some. Even with a higher SAI that doesn't qualify for federal grants, many state universities offer significant in-state tuition discounts and have their own merit-based scholarships that can make them very affordable compared to private schools. My nephew was in a similar situation last year - no federal grants but ended up at our state flagship with a combination of merit aid and lower base tuition that made it cheaper than private schools even with their aid packages. Worth considering as safety options while you're building that college list!