UPDATE: Success! After trying multiple approaches, here's what finally worked for me: I used Edge browser in InPrivate mode, AND I went back to the very beginning of the application and re-entered my birthdate with the format MM/DD/YYYY instead of selecting from the dropdown calendar. For some reason, that combination got me past the loop! I was able to complete and submit my FAFSA this morning. For anyone else born in 2000 facing this issue, try manually typing your birthdate instead of using the calendar picker!

Just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who shared solutions here! I'm also born in 2000 and was hitting the same loop for the past 3 days. I was getting so stressed about missing my deadline. Just tried Ava's method with Edge InPrivate mode and manually typing the birthdate instead of using the calendar dropdown - IT WORKED! Submitted successfully on my first try. You all saved my financial aid! This community is amazing for helping each other navigate these technical nightmares.

Update: It worked! My husband signed in with his FSA ID yesterday, and the system did prompt him for his tax information just like you all said. We had to wait about 2 hours after he signed before his sections appeared completely (not a full 24 hours like some mentioned). Our application now shows as complete, and we got our confirmation number. Thanks everyone for your help!

That's awesome that it worked out for you! For anyone else reading this thread who might be dealing with similar issues, I'd recommend keeping a few things in mind: 1) Make sure you have all your tax documents ready before starting, 2) Don't try to rush through it - the system can be glitchy if you move too fast between sections, and 3) If you run into technical issues, try clearing your browser cache or switching browsers entirely. The new FAFSA definitely has its quirks but once you get through it, the process is actually pretty streamlined compared to the old paper forms!

Update based on everyone's feedback: Based on my experience with hundreds of FAFSA applications, here's the most efficient path to resolve the independent status verification loop: 1. Get your school's financial aid office involved FIRST - they have institutional authority with FSA 2. Compile ALL documentation into a single PDF with a cover sheet and table of contents 3. Request both a dependency override AND a comprehensive verification review 4. IF steps 1-3 don't work within 5 business days, use a call service or persistent calling to reach an agent 5. Once approved, request a written confirmation of your independent status for your records The key insight many students miss is that verification is actually a multi-department process. Your case can be approved by one department but flagged by another, creating the frustrating loop you're experiencing.

I went through this exact nightmare last year and it took 6 weeks to resolve! What finally worked for me was getting a letter from THREE different sources all at once: my former high school counselor, a social worker, AND my employer confirming my work history and self-support. I also had to provide bank statements showing consistent deposits and rent payments going back 18 months. The key was proving a PATTERN of independence, not just current status. Don't give up - once it's approved, you'll likely get significant aid since you won't have parental income counted against you. The verification hell is worth it in the end!

UPDATE: I just added two more schools this morning and it worked fine! My status still shows as processed with the same SAI score, and the new schools are listed as "Will be sent" - seems like it's not affected by all the federal loan drama after all.

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who was in a similar situation last month! I was super nervous about adding schools after my FAFSA was already processed, but I ended up adding 3 additional schools and it was completely seamless. My SAI stayed exactly the same, and the schools received my information within about 4 days. The key thing I learned is that adding schools is just sending your already-processed data to more recipients - it doesn't change or reprocess any of your financial information. Good luck with your applications!

has anyone ever tried to redo the fafsa completely? like starting over with a new application? or is that not allowed?

I'm dealing with a similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! My mom had to take early retirement due to health issues, and we withdrew about $25,000 from her 401k to cover medical expenses. Our SAI came back at 31,000 which seems impossible given our actual monthly income. Reading through these responses, it sounds like the Professional Judgment review is definitely the way to go. I had no idea that one-time retirement withdrawals could be appealed - the FAFSA system really doesn't account for emergency situations like medical bills or necessary home repairs. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences, especially the financial aid professional who explained the process so clearly!