Update: I got it working! Turns out I needed to log in with my FSA ID (not my son's) AND my son had entered a slightly different email for me than the one I used for my FSA ID. Once he corrected that and re-sent the invitation, I could see the contributor form in my "Help My Student" section. Thanks everyone for your help! For anyone else having this problem, double check ALL your info matches exactly.

I'm so glad you got it figured out! I went through the exact same frustration with my daughter's FAFSA earlier this year. The email matching issue seems to trip up a lot of parents - I wish they made that clearer in their instructions. It's such a relief when you finally see that "Help My Student" section populate with the actual forms you need to fill out. The whole process is stressful enough without having to troubleshoot technical issues on top of everything else!

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress! As someone who just went through the college application process with my own kid, I wanted to share that you should also look into your state's financial aid programs. Many states have their own grant programs that use different criteria than federal aid, and some are more forgiving about one-time income spikes like yours. Also, don't forget to check if your daughter qualifies for any merit-based scholarships at her school - these aren't affected by your SAI at all. Even if the appeal process takes time, having multiple financial aid strategies in place can help reduce the overall cost. You're being such a great advocate for your daughter by researching all these options. The fact that you eliminated that high-interest debt was actually a smart long-term financial move, even if it's causing short-term aid complications.

I'm in a very similar situation! My family also took an early IRA withdrawal in 2023 to pay off medical debt, and our SAI shot up to over $30,000. We went from expecting a decent Pell Grant to owing way more than we can afford. I've been working with our financial aid office for about 6 weeks now on a professional judgment appeal. Here's what I've learned so far: 1. Each school handles these appeals differently - some are super responsive, others take forever 2. Documentation is KEY - I had to provide bank statements, retirement account statements, medical bills, everything 3. Write a clear timeline of events showing this was truly a one-time financial emergency The good news is that two of the three schools we appealed to have already adjusted our SAI down significantly. One brought it from $31,000 down to $18,000, which put us back in Pell Grant territory. Don't lose hope! The process is stressful and takes time, but it can work. Start gathering your paperwork now and be prepared to tell your story multiple times to different people. Also, ask specifically about payment plans - even if the appeal takes a while, most schools will work with you on spreading costs out. Hang in there - you're not alone in this mess!

So this whole thread is making me wonder...do TSP accounts count? My husband is military and has a Thrift Savings Plan. Is that considered a retirement account for FAFSA purposes? Anyone know?

This thread has been incredibly helpful! As someone who just went through this process with my oldest child, I want to emphasize how important it is to follow the official FAFSA instructions exactly. The retirement account exclusion has been consistent for years - 401k, 403b, traditional/Roth IRAs, pension plans, and TSP accounts are all excluded from asset reporting on FAFSA. One tip that might help others: when you're filling out the FAFSA online, there's actually a helpful tooltip next to the assets section that specifically lists what NOT to include, and retirement accounts are clearly mentioned there. If you're ever unsure about any financial question on FAFSA, those little question mark icons throughout the form provide official guidance that can save you from second-guessing yourself. Good luck to everyone working on their applications!

btw if ur really stuck waiting u can try submitting a FAFSA correction for something super minor like fixing a typo in ur address. sometimes that can bump ur app out of the queue and back in faster. worked for my friend last semester but might not always work lol

I'm sorry you're going through this stress! I went through a similar situation two years ago when my FAFSA got flagged. Here are a few things that helped me: 1. **Contact your school's emergency aid office** - Many schools have separate emergency financial aid funds for students in situations exactly like yours. They can sometimes provide bridge funding while you wait. 2. **Ask about payment plan options** - Even if your aid is delayed, some schools will let you set up a payment plan that gives you more time to pay once your aid comes through. 3. **Check if your state has emergency aid programs** - Some states have quick-disbursing emergency aid for students facing financial aid delays. 4. **Document your timeline** - Keep records of when everything happened. If this causes you to miss enrollment deadlines, having documentation can help you appeal later. The waiting is awful, but most flagged applications do get resolved eventually. In my case, it took about 5 weeks during peak season, but I was able to get emergency aid from my school that covered me until then. Hang in there and definitely pursue all the suggestions others have given about calling FSA and asking about provisional aid!

One more thing - with your negative SAI, you might also qualify for state-specific grants depending on where you live. Many states have their own grant programs for high-need students attending in-state institutions. Some of these are automatic with your FAFSA, but others require a separate application. Check your state's higher education website for more information. This could potentially give you another $1,000-$3,000 depending on your state, which would completely close your funding gap without additional loans.

Your negative SAI is fantastic news! As someone who's helped many students navigate financial aid, I can tell you that -1500 puts you in the best possible position for federal aid. You're essentially guaranteed the maximum Pell Grant ($7,400) plus subsidized loans where the government covers interest while you're enrolled. One tip from my experience: when your award letter arrives, pay close attention to the loan details. You'll likely see both subsidized and unsubsidized options - always accept subsidized first since it saves you money long-term. Also, don't forget to check if your community college offers emergency grants or completion scholarships for students in your situation. Many CCs have small pots of money specifically for high-need students that can bridge small funding gaps. With your SAI, federal aid should cover most of your costs, and a small part-time job (even just weekends) could easily handle the remainder without needing private loans!