I'm dealing with the exact same issue! My son submitted his FAFSA 25 days ago and we're still stuck on SSN verification. I've been checking daily and it just says "pending" with no updates. Reading through everyone's experiences here, it sounds like we just have to wait it out unfortunately. I'm going to try calling FSA tomorrow using the specific language that Ava suggested about "SSN verification stuck in pending status preventing contributor invitations" - hopefully that helps get through to someone who can actually do something. This whole process is so stressful when college deadlines are looming!

I'm a new parent going through this nightmare too! My daughter submitted her FAFSA 19 days ago and we're stuck in the same SSN verification limbo. Reading through all these comments is both reassuring (we're not alone) and terrifying (some people have waited a month!). I had no idea the SSN verification had to complete before I could be added as a contributor - the error messages are so misleading! Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and tips. I'm going to check if we have any credit freezes like Noah suggested, and if we're still stuck next week I'll try that Claimyr service. It's ridiculous that we have to use workarounds to access a government system that's supposed to help our kids get financial aid. Fingers crossed all of our verifications come through soon!

This is such valuable information! As someone new to the Parent PLUS loan process, I had the same misconception as your husband. It's really reassuring to see so many people confirm that you can take partial amounts. The fact that you're being strategic about using savings to minimize debt is admirable - I wish more parents understood they have this flexibility. The interest rates mentioned here are eye-opening too. Thanks for asking this question, it's helping a lot of us newcomers understand the process better!

As someone who just went through this process with my oldest, I can confirm what everyone is saying - you absolutely can take less than the full Parent PLUS amount! We were approved for $22,000 but only took $8,500. The key thing is to be very clear about the amount you want when you complete the Master Promissory Note on studentaid.gov. One thing I'd add that I don't see mentioned - make sure you understand the disbursement schedule. They typically split the loan amount between fall and spring semesters, so if you're taking $7,000 total, expect about $3,500 each semester. Also, the origination fee gets deducted from each disbursement, so factor that in when calculating what you'll actually receive. You're making a really smart financial decision by minimizing the debt!

So glad you were able to get through to financial aid and get a concrete number! $1240 is definitely a significant amount, but you're absolutely right that it's better than risking your future aid eligibility. The incomplete option sounds like it could be a perfect middle ground if your professor is willing to work with you. Just a heads up - if you do end up having to repay, most schools will set up a payment plan rather than expecting the full amount immediately. And since you're making this decision strategically (rather than just disappearing from class), it shows you're being responsible about your academics and finances. Keep us updated on how the conversation with your professor goes! Rooting for you to find a solution that works.

Hey Ethan! I went through something really similar with organic chemistry last year. One thing that helped me was checking if your school has a "medical withdrawal" or "hardship withdrawal" option - sometimes they'll let you withdraw without the same financial penalties if you can document that you're struggling due to circumstances beyond your control (like your advisor being unavailable during a critical time). Also, before you talk to your professor about an incomplete, make sure you understand what completing the coursework later would actually involve. Some professors require you to retake the entire lab component, while others might let you just make up the remaining assignments. The incomplete route is great if it's manageable, but you don't want to be stuck with an impossible situation next semester either. Whatever you decide, you're being smart to think this through strategically rather than just hoping for a miracle. Chemistry labs are brutal and sometimes cutting your losses is the right call!

Update: It finally moved to processing this morning - took exactly 8 business days! Now we're able to make corrections. Thanks everyone for your help and advice. I've already contacted his school to let them know corrections are coming.

Congrats on finally getting through to the processing phase! Eight business days seems to be pretty typical from what I'm seeing here. I'm dealing with a similar situation with my daughter's FAFSA - it's been pending for 5 days now and she also has some errors that need correcting (mixed up our tax info). This thread has been super helpful in understanding what to expect. Did you end up calling your son's school before the status changed, or are you planning to wait until after you submit the corrections?

Thanks everyone for the helpful answers! I'm feeling a lot better knowing that my negative SAI is actually good news. I'll definitely keep an eye out for verification requests and compare financial aid packages from different schools. Really appreciate all the advice!

Just wanted to add that you should also look into state-specific aid programs! With your -1500 SAI, you'll likely qualify for additional state grants depending on where you live. Many states have their own need-based programs that stack on top of federal aid. Also, don't forget to check if your schools offer institutional grants - some private colleges are really generous with aid for students with high financial need like yours. Make sure to submit your FAFSA to all the schools you're considering so they can build your complete aid packages!