UPDATE: I tried all the browser tricks (clear cache, incognito mode, different device) with no luck. The SSN field would accept the number, but after saving and returning, it would be gone again with that box checked. I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned to get through to FSA - got a callback in about 45 minutes instead of spending hours redialing. The agent confirmed it was a known database issue on their end. Apparently, there was a mismatch between how my husband's name was entered and his SSN record in their system (he goes by his middle name, but his SSN is under his first name). The agent manually overrode the error and fixed it in their system. They gave me a case number and told me to wait 48 hours before checking again. Just checked today and FINALLY his SSN is showing correctly and that box is unchecked! Thanks everyone for your help with this frustrating issue!

Great to see you got this resolved! This is exactly why I always recommend documenting these types of system issues. The name mismatch issue you described is becoming more common with the new FAFSA - they've tightened up their identity verification processes, which is good for security but creates problems when people use different versions of their names on different documents. For anyone else dealing with similar issues, it's worth checking if there are any discrepancies between: - How your name appears on your SSN card - How it appears on your tax returns - How you entered it in the FAFSA Even something as simple as using "Bob" vs "Robert" or including/excluding a middle initial can trigger these validation errors. The system is much less forgiving than it used to be. Thanks for sharing the resolution - posts like this are invaluable for other families going through the same nightmare!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! My daughter's middle initial got left off her FAFSA and I've been stressing about it for days. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - especially learning about the different options like live chat, state agencies, and the timing around when corrections become available. One thing I wanted to ask - for those who successfully made corrections, did you notice any delay in when your Student Aid Report (SAR) was sent to your colleges? I'm worried that even after we fix the name issue, it might slow down the whole financial aid timeline at the schools she's applied to. Also, @Zainab Ibrahim, it sounds like you're in a much better position than you initially thought with that asset section being greyed out due to your income level! That simplified formula could really work in your son's favor for aid eligibility.

I'm going through the FAFSA process for the first time with my son and this thread has been incredibly educational! It's reassuring to see how many people have successfully navigated name corrections and similar issues. One thing I wanted to add for future parents who might find this thread - I learned from our high school's financial aid workshop that you can also create a "to-do" list in your FSA account to track important dates and deadlines. This has been helpful for keeping track of when to check if our status changes from "Processing" to "Processed." @Zainab Ibrahim, it sounds like you have a great support system here and multiple solid options to get your son's name corrected. The fact that your asset section is greyed out due to the simplified formula is actually fantastic news for your aid eligibility. Wishing you the best of luck with the correction process!

One thing I wish I had known earlier - make sure you and your daughter are on the same page about timing! My son completed his verification on a Friday afternoon and immediately sent me the contributor invite, but I was traveling for work and didn't see the email until the following Tuesday. I panicked thinking I had missed something important, but it turned out there was no rush since his school deadlines weren't until April. However, some schools do have earlier priority deadlines for aid consideration, so it's worth checking those dates ahead of time. Also, keep in mind that after you complete your portion, your daughter will need to log back in to submit the final application - it's not automatic. Good luck with the process!

Just to add another perspective - I completed my parent contributor section last week after going through some initial confusion about the process. One thing that really helped was having my 2023 tax return PDF open on my computer while filling out the form, since there are several questions that require specific line numbers from your return. The system also asks for bank account balances and investment information as of the day you're completing the form, not from your tax return, so have those current numbers ready too. Also, don't stress if you make a small mistake - you can go back and make corrections later through the FAFSA correction process. The whole thing took me about 45 minutes once I had all my documents organized. The key is just being prepared with the right paperwork before you start!

For anyone finding this thread later with the same issue: This is a known problem with the 2025-2026 FAFSA contributor system. The Department of Education updated their systems in late 2024, requiring strict matching between: 1. The exact email address listed in the student's application 2. The FSA ID associated with that exact email 3. The legal name matching exactly in both systems Any discrepancy between these three elements will prevent parent contribution access. Also note that contributors MUST have their own FSA ID - they cannot use the student's login information under any circumstances.

Just went through this nightmare myself last month! Another thing to check - make sure you're not using any browser extensions that might be interfering. I had to disable my password manager and ad blocker before the FAFSA parent contribution portal would work properly. Also, if you've been logging in and out multiple times trying to fix this, clear your browser cache completely before trying again. The FAFSA system seems really sensitive to cached login data from previous sessions. Hope this helps someone avoid the headache we went through!

Update: I've contacted all five schools I applied to and it's been a mixed bag. Two have already sent me their special circumstances forms, one said they'll only review after I commit to attending (which seems unfair), and I'm still waiting to hear back from the other two. I used that Claimyr service to get through to one of the schools that wasn't answering and it actually worked! Got through to a financial aid counselor who was really helpful. I've started gathering all our documentation. This is a lot of work but hopefully worth it. Thanks everyone for your help! I'll update again when I hear back about any aid adjustments.

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's diagnosis and your job situation - that's incredibly stressful to deal with while trying to figure out college finances. Just want to add that when you're writing your appeal letter to each school, be specific about the financial impact. Don't just say "we lost income" - give them actual numbers. Like "Parent A's income went from $X per year to $0 due to job loss on [date]" and "we anticipate $Y in out-of-pocket medical expenses for Parent B's treatment." Also, if your dad's illness might affect his ability to work or your family's long-term financial situation, mention that too. Schools can sometimes adjust aid for multiple years if the circumstances are ongoing, not just temporary. Good luck with everything - this process is overwhelming but it really can make a significant difference in your aid package!