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did u try filling out a new fafsa form completely??? that worked for my niece when she couldn't fix hers
This is actually not recommended. Submitting a new FAFSA when one is already on file creates a duplicate record that will trigger an automatic verification flag. This will delay processing by 3-4 weeks as the duplicate needs to be manually resolved by FSA staff. Always try to correct the existing application rather than starting over.
UPDATE: IT WORKED!!! I used the Claimyr service that someone suggested and got through to an actual human in about 20 minutes. The FSA agent confirmed there was a processing lock because of the multiple correction attempts. They released the lock and told me to wait until tomorrow morning to submit my correction. THANK YOU ALL for the help!!!
this new formula is so confusing!!! i thought it was supposed to make things easier but now im worried about applying for next yr...does anyone know if they're gonna change it again or is this permanent??
The FAFSA Simplification Act changes are likely here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future. The full implementation happened with the 2024-2025 FAFSA (which became available December 2023), and while there may be small adjustments, the core formula changes are part of legislation that would require Congressional action to significantly modify. Best to plan based on the current formula rather than hoping for another change soon.
UPDATE: I wanted to share what worked for us. After gathering all our documentation (medical bills, proof of reduced hours for my wife), we requested a Professional Judgment review with the financial aid office. We also used the Claimyr service that someone suggested to reach an FSA agent who explained exactly which parts of the formula affected us most (mainly the sibling adjustment change and how our retirement savings were counted). We just heard back today - they've restored $2,800 of the institutional scholarship and we'll be receiving an additional $950 work-study award that wasn't in the original package. Still a loss from previous years, but MUCH more manageable. For anyone else facing this issue - DEFINITELY appeal if you have any special circumstances, be extremely specific in your request, provide documentation for everything, and try to understand exactly which formula changes affected your situation so you can address them directly.
THANK YOU for sharing this! Just got my appointment scheduled for next week to appeal. Did you meet in person or was it all through email/online forms?
Just a quick update - my son's blank pages finally started showing actual information this morning. It took exactly 6 days from when we first saw the problem. No explanation, no email, it just suddenly started working. Maybe check yours again today?
After helping several students with similar issues, I wanted to add that you should also try downloading the FAFSA status information as a PDF. Sometimes the website displays blank pages but the PDF download still works. Look for a small download or print icon near where the summary should be. Also, check if your school's financial aid office can see the processed results - sometimes they receive the information even when parents/students can't see it on their end.
When my son went to college in 2023 they didn't care that my husband died they still asked for all his information on the FAFSA can you believe it?? I had to call them like 5 times to explain he was DECEASED and they kept sending verification requests for his tax forms!!! The system is BROKEN!!! I'm still angry about it tbh
That absolutely shouldn't have happened. When a parent is deceased, you indicate that on the FAFSA and no information should be requested from them. If you encounter this issue (hopefully you won't with the new FAFSA system), immediately request to speak with a financial aid supervisor or director, not just a front-line staff member.
Thank you all so much for the advice and support. I feel much more prepared now. I'll definitely start getting organized with all the documentation, help my triplets create their FSA IDs in advance, and submit as close to December 1st as possible. I'll also look into the Social Security survivor benefits and start researching schools with good aid packages for multiples. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to share your experiences and expertise!
Gael Robinson
Update us when you figure it out! My daughter will be applying next year and I'm trying to learn all the potential pitfalls.
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Amun-Ra Azra
•Will do! So far it seems like the consensus is to wait a few days for the website to catch up with the email notification. If nothing changes, I'll need to call FSA directly.
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Amun-Ra Azra
UPDATE: You guys were right! I just checked this morning and now there's a verification request showing on my portal. They want me to verify my dependency status and submit my tax return transcript. The weird thing is they're still calling it a "correction" in the system even though nothing was actually incorrect. Thanks for all your help - at least now I know what I need to do!
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Edward McBride
•Glad it sorted itself out! Yes, they unfortunately use the term "correction" for both actual corrections AND verification requests. Just submit those documents as soon as possible and your application should proceed normally.
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