THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO FAIL!!! They make these programs sound great in the news but make them IMPOSSIBLE to actually use! I spent 6 MONTHS trying to get my garnishment stopped under Fresh Start. SIX MONTHS!!! Lost $4800 in wages that I'll never get back. The ED and loan servicers should be SUED for this garbage implementation.

One more important tip: keep detailed records of EVERY communication. Note the date, time, name of representative, and what was discussed. If you speak with someone at ED who confirms your Fresh Start status, ask them to email you confirmation that same day. Also, if your garnishment continues despite your efforts, you have the right to request refund of improperly garnished wages once the issue is resolved. The Department of Education won't volunteer this information, but they are required to refund wages garnished during periods when collections should have been suspended.

Anyone else think it's RIDICULOUS they make us enter schools one at a time when they KNOW most students apply to multiple colleges? Just another way they make this process needlessly difficult. My son applied to 22 schools and we had to sit there clicking save 22 times. In 2025!!

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I'm glad to know we weren't the only ones with this issue. I've created a spreadsheet with all my daughter's school codes now in case we need to make changes later. I really appreciate all the tips - especially about the 20 school limit and how to reach the FSA if we run into problems!

For those waiting on aid packages, you can request an extension from your schools if you haven't received all your financial aid information by the May 1 decision deadline. Most institutions are aware of the FAFSA delays this year and are being more flexible than usual. Just be sure to request the extension in writing (email is fine) to your admissions office, explaining that you're still waiting on complete financial aid information to make your decision.

To clarify about the verification requests some of you mentioned - verification selections are not related to the email notification issues. About 30% of all FAFSA filers get selected for verification each year, which requires submitting additional documentation to confirm your reported information. If you've been selected, you'll need to complete those requirements before your aid can be finalized. Check both your studentaid.gov account and your individual school portals to see if you've been selected and what documents you need to submit.

UPDATE: We got it figured out! My daughter created her FSA ID and started a new application. I did lose all my previously entered information, but now we're on the right track. For anyone else who makes this mistake - you definitely need to have the STUDENT start the application first! Thank you all for your help.

Glad you figured it out! Honestly they should rename the parent section to "contributor section" or something so it's more obvious. My kid was also confused cause he thought I could just do the whole thing for him lol

UPDATE: I tried the Claimyr service someone mentioned above and IT WORKED!! Got connected to a FAFSA agent in about 15 minutes instead of endless hold time. They identified the problem right away - there was a mismatch between how my name was entered in the FSA ID system versus the FAFSA form (middle initial in one, full middle name in the other). The agent fixed it on their end AND flagged my application with a special note so it won't get caught in the signature loop again. They also sent an email to my daughter's schools explaining the delay was due to a system error, not our negligence. Never would have figured this out without getting a real person who could actually see both systems. Worth every penny to not waste another day on hold!

Thank you everyone for all the helpful suggestions! I'm going to try a combination approach: 1. First, I'll use Claimyr to speak with an actual FSA agent (since multiple people had success with this) 2. Request both electronic AND paper signature verification 3. Check for email/name mismatches between FSA ID and FAFSA form 4. Get my school's financial aid office involved as an advocate 5. Document everything with case numbers and confirmation screenshots I'll update this thread once I get it resolved in case anyone else runs into the same issue. This has been so stressful!