One more thing that might help - if you're working between shifts like you mentioned, consider using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) if it's available for your tax year. It automatically pulls your tax information directly from the IRS into your FAFSA, which can save you a lot of time manually entering numbers and reduces errors. You can access it from within the FAFSA form when you get to the tax information section. Just make sure your tax return has been processed by the IRS first (usually takes 2-3 weeks after filing). This could be a real time-saver for a busy single mom trying to juggle everything!

As someone who just went through this process with my twins last year, I can confirm the save feature works great! One tip I didn't see mentioned yet - if you're completing the application over multiple sessions like I did, keep a simple notepad or document where you jot down what sections you've completed each time. The FAFSA interface shows your progress, but I found it helpful to have my own tracking system. Also, since you mentioned being a single mom juggling work shifts - the FAFSA customer service line is open evenings until 11 PM ET (1-800-4-FED-AID), which might work better with your schedule than calling during business hours if you run into any issues. You've got this!

Wow, this thread is so helpful! I'm a new member here and just started my FAFSA application yesterday. Reading through all these responses makes me realize I need to be super careful with those dependency questions. I'm 20 and definitely dependent on my parents, but now I'm paranoid I might accidentally click the wrong thing and mess up my whole application. @Andre Moreau glad you got it figured out! And thanks @Amara Adeyemi for that checklist - I'm bookmarking this whole thread for reference while I work through my application. Quick question for everyone: is there a way to preview or double-check your answers before moving to the next section? I want to make sure I don't make the same mistake!

Hey everyone! I'm new here and just want to say thank you for this incredibly helpful thread. I'm about to start my FAFSA application next week and after reading through all of this, I feel much more prepared to avoid the dependency status mistakes that seem to trip up so many people. @Andre Moreau - so glad you got everything sorted out! @Amara Adeyemi that dependency checklist is gold, definitely saving that. And @Chloe Anderson thanks for the tip about the review feature - I had no idea that existed. One follow-up question: if someone does accidentally submit with the wrong dependency status, how difficult is it to correct after submission? Is it just a matter of going back in and making changes, or do you have to start completely over?

So glad you got it figured out! The mobile vs desktop issue with studentaid.gov is such a common problem that catches so many families off guard. It's honestly ridiculous that in 2025 we still have to deal with a government website that doesn't work properly on phones. Your experience will definitely help other parents who run into the same frustrating situation - the distinction between "View FAFSA" and "View Processed FAFSA" is something that trips up a lot of people!

This entire thread is a perfect example of why the FAFSA website desperately needs better user experience design! As a newcomer here, I'm taking notes on all these workarounds for when I inevitably run into the same issues with my own kid's FAFSA next year. The fact that there are THREE different types of summaries and the mobile site doesn't work properly is just mind-boggling for a federal website that millions of families depend on. Really appreciate everyone sharing their solutions - this is exactly the kind of community help that makes navigating these bureaucratic systems bearable!

I'm really sorry for your loss and what you're going through. One thing I want to add that might help immediately - if your son's school participates in the Federal Work-Study program, that income doesn't count against next year's FAFSA the same way other student income does. Even if he didn't qualify this year, it's worth asking if there are any work-study positions still available or if he can get on a waitlist. Also, since you mentioned you're renting out the family home, make sure when you report it on the FAFSA that you're only reporting the NET equity (market value minus what you still owe), not the full property value. And if the property has depreciated since your husband's death, you might want to get a current appraisal. One more thought - some schools have "emergency aid" or "crisis grants" that are separate from the normal financial aid process. These are typically for unexpected situations and might be worth asking about given your circumstances.

I'm so sorry for your loss and the stress you're dealing with. As a financial aid counselor, I want to add a few points that might help: First, definitely pursue the Professional Judgment review that others mentioned - but when you do, emphasize that your investment withdrawals are for basic living expenses, not discretionary spending. The fact that you're using them to help with your son's housing costs actually strengthens your case since it shows the money is going toward educational expenses. Also, consider having your son file as an independent student if he meets any of the criteria (age 24+, married, has dependents, etc.). If not, there's also something called a "dependency override" for unusual circumstances, though it's harder to get approved. One strategy for next year: if possible, consider paying down any debts or prepaying expenses before the FAFSA snapshot date. This can reduce your reportable assets without actually reducing your financial security. Finally, many states have their own grant programs with different eligibility rules than federal aid. California's Middle Class Scholarship program, for example, might be worth looking into even if you didn't qualify for other aid. Don't give up - I've seen families in very similar situations find pathways to make college work.

I went through this exact situation with my son last year! He switched from pre-med to computer science and I was panicking about losing aid. The good news is that federal FAFSA aid (Pell Grant, Direct Loans) stayed exactly the same because dependency status doesn't change based on major or timeline. However, he did lose a $2,500 STEM scholarship that was specifically for pre-med students. My advice: have your daughter email her financial aid advisor directly - I found email got better responses than phone calls. Ask for a written breakdown of which aid components might be affected by the major change. Most schools have a "change of major" checklist that includes financial aid implications. Also, business admin might actually open up NEW scholarship opportunities that weren't available for nursing students, so it could work out in her favor!

I'm in a similar boat with my daughter who's considering switching from education to marketing! Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful. One thing I'd add is to check if her current school has a "major exploration" or academic advising center - ours does and they actually have a financial aid liaison who specializes in helping students understand the aid implications of major changes before they make the switch. They were able to run scenarios showing exactly which scholarships she'd keep vs. lose, and even helped identify new ones she could apply for in her new major. It might be worth asking if your daughter's school has something similar - could save a lot of stress and uncertainty!