This thread is incredibly reassuring! I'm dealing with the exact same SSN scrambling issue right now with my daughter's application - the system somehow changed her correct SSN to a completely random set of numbers that don't even follow the SSN format (starts with 000). I've been panicking thinking we somehow made a huge mistake during entry, but seeing that this is a widespread system glitch makes me feel so much better. Planning to call FSA first thing Monday morning armed with all the advice here - especially using the "SSN verification override" terminology and having her Social Security card ready. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and solutions. Quick question though - for those who successfully got this fixed, did the corrected SSN show up immediately in your student portal, or did it take some time to update in the system after FSA processed the override?

This thread has been a lifesaver! I'm currently experiencing this exact same SSN scrambling issue with my son's 2025-2026 FAFSA application. When we logged in to check the status, his SSN was completely different - not even close to his actual number. I was starting to panic thinking we had made some terrible mistake during submission, but reading everyone's experiences here has been so reassuring to know it's a widespread system glitch. I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service that @Olivia Van-Cleve mentioned since I've already wasted hours on hold with the regular FSA line. Will make sure to use the "SSN verification override" phrase when I finally get through to an agent. It's honestly ridiculous that this many families are dealing with the same technical issue - you'd think FSA would have fixed this by now or at least properly trained their agents about it! Thanks to everyone for sharing your solutions and experiences.

You're not alone in this confusion! The new FAFSA process changed dramatically this year, and many parents and students are struggling with similar issues. If you're still having trouble after your daughter completes her section, I'd recommend calling Federal Student Aid directly. Their wait times can be brutal though - when I needed to reach them about a similar issue, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) which held my place in line and called me when an agent was available. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration and the agent was able to verify that our application was processing correctly despite the confusing interface.

I went through this exact same situation last month! The "two forms" you're seeing are completely normal - it's just the system showing you different perspectives of the same application. One shows your completed parent portion, and the other shows the overall application status that's waiting for your daughter's input. Here's what I learned from my experience: - The order really doesn't matter with the new system - Your daughter just needs to use the invite you mentioned and complete her section - Once she finishes, both "forms" will merge into one complete application - The key is making sure you both use your correct FSA IDs (sounds like you already did this right) The new FAFSA interface is honestly pretty confusing compared to the old system, but you haven't created any problems. Just have your daughter complete her portion and you should be all set! The application won't be processed until both sections are done anyway.

@OP I fixed the same mistake on my FAFSA last year! If you submit and realize you accidentally included grandma's SSI, you can make a correction afterward. Just log back into studentaid.gov, go to your FAFSA, and click "Make FAFSA Corrections." But doing it right the first time is wayyy easier!

As someone who just went through this process last year, I wanted to add that it's really important to keep documentation of everything! I saved screenshots of the official FAFSA instructions about SSI exclusions, and when my school's financial aid office questioned some of my info, having those references made the conversation go much smoother. Also, if your grandmother does help with any of your educational expenses directly (like paying for textbooks or tuition), make sure to track those amounts separately since they might need to be reported differently than her general household contributions. The key is being able to show exactly where every dollar came from if asked!

My kid's FAFSA has been "processed" for 2 months now and one of her top choice schools STILL hasn't sent an award letter. Everyone says "be patient" but how are we supposed to make decisions without knowing costs??? The whole system is so broken.

I'm going through this exact same process right now with my son! His FAFSA has been processed for about 2 weeks and we're anxiously waiting too. From what I've learned lurking in this community, it sounds like the timeline really varies by school. Some of the private colleges he applied to have already sent preliminary estimates through their portals, but the state schools are taking much longer. I've been checking his student portals obsessively every few days. The waiting is definitely nerve-wracking when you're trying to plan financially for next year! Sending good vibes that you hear back from the schools soon.

Just wanted to add that you should also check if your state has any specific FAFSA deadlines that are earlier than the federal ones. Some states award aid on a first-come, first-served basis and can run out of funding surprisingly early in the cycle. Also, since you mentioned this is your first time with FAFSA, make sure you're using the official site (studentaid.gov) - there are a lot of scam sites that charge fees for something that should be completely free. The whole process can definitely feel overwhelming at first, but you're asking all the right questions!

Hey Connor! I just went through this exact same process with my son last year, so I totally understand the confusion. A few additional tips that might help: 1) Create your FSA ID early if you haven't already - both you and your daughter will need separate ones, and there can be delays in getting them approved. 2) If you're using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (which I highly recommend), make sure your tax return has been processed first - we made the mistake of trying to use it too early and it caused delays. 3) Keep copies of everything you submit, including screenshots of your completed FAFSA. The system has been known to glitch and lose information. You're doing great by starting this process now and asking questions - that puts you ahead of a lot of parents who wait until the last minute!