We did get selected for verification, but the financial aid office understood the situation. We explained we had to use this workaround because of the system limitations for parents without SSNs. They were fine with it once we provided the actual tax documents. The most important thing was getting the initial application through so they could start processing the aid package.

I'm a financial aid advisor at a community college, and I see this issue frequently. Here's what works consistently: 1. Have your daughter complete the FAFSA again electronically, entering 000-00-0000 for your SSN 2. For the parent without an SSN, you must use the paper signature page instead of creating an FSA ID (which requires an SSN). Have your daughter print the signature page after completing the online FAFSA, sign it manually, and mail it in. 3. Call the school's financial aid office immediately and let them know you've submitted with the signature page due to a parent without SSN. Many schools can work with a preliminary submission while waiting for the signature page to be processed. 4. Request the financial aid office to check if they can see the FAFSA in their system even before it's fully processed. Some schools can see pending FAFSAs and start preparing aid packages. 5. If all else fails, ask the school about emergency aid options or a payment plan while waiting for the official aid package. The good news is that schools understand these issues are common and most have procedures to help students in these situations.

We just lifted the freeze with all three bureaus! Fingers crossed this works. Thank you so much for following up - I'll update here if it solves the problem.

UPDATE: IT WORKED!!! We lifted the credit freeze yesterday afternoon and tried again this morning - went straight through! My husband was able to complete his contributor profile and we're finally moving forward with the application. Thank you all SO MUCH for your help, especially the tip about the credit freeze being the likely culprit.

did u try filling out a new fafsa form completely??? that worked for my niece when she couldn't fix hers

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!!!

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

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!

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.