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!

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!

I'm so glad you were able to get the process started! Just wanted to add one more tip that really helped me when I went through a similar Professional Judgment review - make sure to write a detailed cover letter explaining your situation in your own words along with all the forms and documentation. The financial aid officers are human beings, and sometimes a personal explanation of how your circumstances have changed can really help them understand the full picture beyond just the numbers on paper. You've got this! Rooting for you and your son.

I'm so sorry for your loss and what you're going through right now. This situation is unfortunately more common than it should be, and the system really doesn't handle these life changes well automatically. Just wanted to add a few things that might help as you go through the Professional Judgment process: 1. Ask the financial aid office about their typical timeline - some schools can process these in 2-3 weeks while others take much longer, especially during busy seasons. 2. If your son is applying to multiple schools, you'll need to do this process separately with each one. The good news is that once you have all your documentation organized for the first school, you can use the same paperwork for the others. 3. Don't be discouraged if they ask for additional documentation after your initial submission - this is normal and doesn't mean your request will be denied. 4. Keep detailed records of every conversation, email, and submission. Get names and reference numbers when possible. The stress of dealing with financial aid on top of grieving is incredibly difficult, but you're doing everything right by advocating for your son. Hang in there!

Great news! Just so you're prepared for when your SAI does show up, remember that the number might look different than you expect. The SAI can range from -1500 to 999999. Lower numbers (especially negative ones) indicate higher financial need. Don't be alarmed if you see a negative number - that's actually potentially good for your aid eligibility. The SAI replaced the old EFC calculation and uses a slightly different formula.

I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now! Submitted my FAFSA on March 5th and still no SAI showing up anywhere. I've been checking my studentaid.gov account daily and there's literally nothing in the My Documents section except the initial confirmation. My school's financial aid office told me they're seeing this with tons of students this year - apparently the new FAFSA system is causing major delays. They actually suggested I bring them my FAFSA confirmation email and they'll note in my file that I'm waiting on federal processing. Might be worth asking your school if they'll do the same while you wait for your SAR to finally appear!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My FAFSA shows processed with an SAI, but my school's financial aid office says they haven't received it yet. The constant emails about "missing information" are so frustrating when everything appears to be complete on my end. I'm a first-generation college student so this whole process is already overwhelming, and these technical issues are making it so much worse. Reading through all these responses is actually really reassuring - at least I know it's not just me! I'm going to try emailing my school's financial aid office with screenshots of my processed application like everyone suggested. Has anyone had success with that approach yet? Really hoping they can pull it manually from their end because I'm worried about missing deadlines too.

This thread has been so helpful! I'm dealing with the exact same issue - FAFSA shows processed with an SAI but my son's college hasn't received it, plus those never-ending emails about "missing" info. Based on all the advice here, I'm going to: 1. Take screenshots of the processed application with SAI 2. Email them directly to the financial aid office 3. Call them tomorrow to see if they can manually pull the data It's actually really comforting to know this is a widespread system issue and not something I did wrong. The "Better FAFSA" definitely feels more like the "Buggy FAFSA" this year! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions - this community is a lifesaver during such a stressful process.