Also make sure they put in the correct Asset Net Worth and don't include their primary residence in that amount!!! I see SO MANY FAFSA forms where people accidentally include their home value and it totally messes up their SAI (Student Aid Index) calculation. The system doesn't catch this error and it can make it look like they have WAY more assets than they really do for aid purposes.

Illinois has a FAFSA priority date of December 1st for state aid through the MAP Grant program, so they've already missed that for full consideration. However, they should still complete it ASAP as MAP Grants are awarded until funds are depleted. For citizenship documentation, they need: - Dates of citizenship for both student and parent - Alien Registration Numbers (if they had them before citizenship) - Be prepared to provide copies of naturalization certificates if selected for verification One more tip: When entering the parent's information, she should use EXACTLY the same name as it appears on her Social Security card. Any discrepancy can cause processing delays.

quick update - my daughters SAI finally came thru and it was COMPLETELY wrong!!! now we have to submit a correction and wait AGAIN. this is such a nightmare

For those still waiting, here's what many financial aid offices are advising students to do: 1. Screenshot your confirmation page showing the date you submitted the FAFSA 2. Email this screenshot to each college's financial aid office 3. Ask for a provisional financial aid offer based on your submission date Many schools are making accommodations and extending deadlines due to these unprecedented delays. Don't assume you'll lose opportunities - proactive communication with your schools is key.

I don't mean to get off topic but my cousin's FAFSA had the exact same issue last year. Her SAI was way off because the system counted her parents' retirement account as an available asset (which it shouldn't). Took forever to get it fixed. Just mentioning in case that's what happened to yours - might be worth checking the asset portion specifically when you get through.

UPDATE: I used Claimyr and got through to a FAFSA agent in about 25 minutes!!! The agent said there was an error in our asset calculation - somehow our small checking account balance of $3,800 got entered as $38,000! They were able to fix it on the spot and said my corrected SAI should update within 3-5 business days. THANK YOU everyone for your help - especially for the Claimyr suggestion. Literally saved my financial aid package!

This whole system is RIGGED against families trying to do the right thing!!! My husband and I actually postponed our wedding for 2 years because of FAFSA implications for his kids. The whole time I felt like we were being PUNISHED for wanting to get married! Why should the government basically force people to choose between marriage and affordable education for their kids? It's absolutely INSANE that getting married can cost your children tens of thousands in financial aid!!

To clarify something important regarding the wedding timing: Your 2026 income would indeed affect aid for the twins starting in their 2028-29 freshman year, as FAFSA uses prior-prior year tax information. If you're married in 2026 or earlier, your income will be counted on their freshman year FAFSA. However, if you wait to marry until 2027, your income wouldn't impact their financial aid until sophomore year. This could be a compromise approach - not delaying marriage until after college, but postponing it just enough to give them one year of potentially higher aid. Regarding your original question about assets vs. income: With $320K in non-retirement assets plus a vacation property, your fiancé's assets are substantial. After the Asset Protection Allowance (which is quite low these days, often under $10K for parents in their 40s-50s), the remaining assets are assessed at 5.64%. Basically, a rough estimation shows his assets might already be adding approximately $17,000-18,000 to their SAI. Your additional income could add considerably more, potentially pushing them well beyond the threshold for need-based aid at many public universities. I'd recommend consulting with a financial aid professional who specializes in divorce/remarriage situations to get personalized guidance.

i went through this EXACT situation last year. ended up taking out private loans with sallie mae because the parent plus loan wasnt enough. now im paying 11.2% interest and its killing me. dont do what i did. cut costs where u can like ur doing. wish id been as smart as u.

One more suggestion that might help: Many schools have payment plans that let you spread the cost over 10-12 months instead of paying each semester in full. This can reduce the need for loans and give you more flexibility. The enrollment fee is usually around $50-75, which is WAY less than loan interest. Just ask the student accounts office about it - it's not always well advertised.