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same thing happened with css profile too btw. couldn't add schools for like a week in january. whole systems broken this year
The CSS Profile and FAFSA issues are actually unrelated, though the timing coincidence is unfortunate. The CSS Profile had scheduled maintenance in January that ran longer than expected, while the FAFSA issues stem from the major redesign they implemented this year. But you're right that it's been an extremely challenging financial aid season for students!
it worked!!!! cleared my cache and now i can add schools! adding all 10 right now before something else breaks lol
I waited through processing last month and it took exactly 4 days. Most schools understand these FAFSA system issues - they deal with them constantly! Just document everything: take screenshots of the processing status and note the dates. Email your financial aid office now to let them know you're waiting on processing so you can make a final correction. They'll usually make a note in your file.
Quick update on your income correction question - a $1,800 difference in student income might not change your SAI significantly, but it's still best to correct it. The student income protection allowance for the 2025-2026 FAFSA is $9,410, and only 50% of income above that is counted. So the impact on your SAI would be approximately $450 (($18,600-$16,800)/2). If processing doesn't complete in time, this is exactly the type of situation where the financial aid office can help with a professional judgment adjustment.
The consultant basically created a detailed timeline with EVERY transaction, highlighted all the relevant tax codes, and explained it in financial aid jargon that the office understood. Then she followed up DAILY until they processed it. It shouldn't be necessary but the system is so broken that sometimes you need an insider who knows how to navigate it. Good luck - I hope your experience is better than mine was!
While I understand the frustration, most verification issues can be resolved without paying for a consultant. Financial aid offices deal with rollover verification routinely, and they're generally very helpful if you provide clear documentation. I'd try working directly with the school first before spending money on outside help.
UPDATE: I just got off the phone with the financial aid office at my daughter's school. They were actually super helpful! They said this is a common issue and gave me a specific verification form for retirement rollovers. They said as long as I submit it with the 1099-R and account statements within a week, they can process it without delaying her aid package. Thanks everyone for your advice - it gave me exactly what I needed to ask for!
Sofia Morales
did u try looking at work study options?? sometimes they have last minute openings and that money goes directly to tuition. also my kid got a resident assistant position in second yr and that covered housing completely!!
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Mei Lin
•Yes, she applied for work-study but apparently those positions fill up really quickly. The RA position is a great idea for next year though! I'll have her look into application deadlines for that.
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Liam Fitzgerald
Based on your responses, I think you have several options to explore simultaneously: 1. Request the Professional Judgment review based on medical expenses 2. Look into private loans with a co-signer other than yourself 3. Contact FSA to verify your FAFSA is properly processed (using that callback service someone mentioned if needed) 4. Ask specifically about emergency retention grants (many schools have these for students in good standing who might otherwise have to withdraw) 5. See if your daughter can pick up a part-time job to contribute With a 3.8 GPA, your daughter is clearly succeeding academically. Make sure the financial aid office knows this is a student they want to retain. Sometimes being very direct about the fact that your daughter may have to withdraw without additional aid can motivate them to find solutions.
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Mei Lin
•Thank you for laying it out like this. I'll start with the Professional Judgment review tomorrow morning and then work through the rest of these steps. I really appreciate everyone's suggestions - it feels less overwhelming now that I have a concrete plan to follow.
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