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is anyone else getting different SAI numbers every time they check?? my first one was like $7820 but now its showing $8946??? like which one is it?? so confused
If your SAI is changing, it likely means either: 1. Corrections were made to your application 2. The system is still calculating your final SAI 3. There was an error in the initial calculation The most recent SAI displayed in your completed application is the one that will be sent to schools. If you didn't make any corrections yourself, I'd recommend contacting Federal Student Aid to ask about the discrepancy.
Update: I finally got through to someone at FSA! The agent confirmed my application IS submitted correctly and said the emails were sent due to a system glitch. Apparently this is happening to lots of people. She said to ignore the emails as long as my studentaid.gov account shows "processing" or "completed" status. Such a relief! My SAI finally appeared today too ($4,235). Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
How long did you wait on hold??? I've been trying to call them for 2 days and can't get through!
ooh also i just remembered the worst part - make sure u dont count ur retirement savings in the assests - thats a HUGE mistake alot of ppl make. they only care about cash, regular investment accounts, and real estate thats NOT your primary home
Thank you! Someone else mentioned that too - I definitely would have included retirement accounts if I hadn't asked. The instructions really should make this clearer.
One more important clarification: when listing current investments, remember this includes: - Real estate (except the home you live in) - Trust funds - UGMA/UTMA accounts - 529 college savings plans - Money market funds - Mutual funds - Certificates of deposit - Stocks and bonds But does NOT include: - Retirement plans (401k, pension funds, annuities, IRAs) - Life insurance - Your primary residence The SAI (Student Aid Index) calculation hits non-retirement investments much harder than cash savings, so accurate reporting is critical.
This is extremely helpful. I have a rental property and wasn't sure if that should be included, but now I know it should. Really appreciate the detailed breakdown!
I work in a financial aid office, and here's some insider perspective: FSA actually did implement some system changes after last year's disastrous rollout. They added more customer service reps and improved some of the training. However, they're still understaffed for the volume they handle, especially during peak periods. The best times to call are typically Tuesday-Thursday, either early morning (8-9am) or later afternoon (4-5pm). Avoid Mondays and Fridays at all costs - wait times are often double. Also, if you're calling about a technical issue rather than a policy question, specifically request a technical specialist when prompted about your issue.
This is super helpful insight! I'll schedule my calls for Thursday afternoons from now on. Is there a specific way to phrase issues to get to more experienced reps?
i dont think its better...just random luck. waited 3 hrs yesterday and gave up. my school deadline is next week and still cant get my sai score to show up correctly. system says "calculation in progress" for 2 weeks now. does anyone know if schools will accept pending fafsa or do they need the complete processed version??
Most schools require a fully processed FAFSA with a valid SAI score before they'll create your aid package. However, if you're bumping against a deadline, email your school's financial aid office with documentation that you've submitted your FAFSA and are waiting for processing. Many schools will hold your place in line for aid if you can prove you submitted before their deadline.
One more thing to consider - make sure your daughter knows about the UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program. If she goes to CC for 2 years and meets specific requirements, she can get a guaranteed admission to one of six UC campuses (Davis, Irvine, Merced, Riverside, Santa Barbara, or Santa Cruz). This wouldn't work for a 1-year transfer, but might be worth considering if she's worried about getting back into a UC. She should also check if her specific UC offers any special scholars programs for transfers. Some have special pathways for certain majors or partnerships with specific community colleges.
That's really helpful information about the TAG program. She was accepted to UC Santa Barbara, which I see is one of the TAG schools. That might give her some peace of mind knowing there's a guaranteed path back if she does the full 2 years.
btw your daughters eligible for unsubsidized loans too not just the subsidized ones! maybe another 5500 i think? ppl forget those sometimes. its still loans but might help with decision
That's correct. For first-year undergraduate students, the total federal loan limit is typically $5,500 for dependent students, with up to $3,500 of that amount in subsidized loans and the remainder in unsubsidized. Some students are eligible for more depending on their circumstances. The interest is the main difference - subsidized loans don't accrue interest while in school, unsubsidized start accruing immediately.
Micah Trail
my cousin works in a financial aid office and she says they get calls about this ALL THE TIME... apparently even some guidance counselors don't know the difference between the SAR and FAFSA which is crazy considering it's literally their job to help students with this stuff lol
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Kristin Frank
For the 2025-2026 academic year, there's also a slightly different process since the FAFSA Simplification Act changes rolled out. The Student Aid Report (SAR) now prominently displays your Student Aid Index (SAI) instead of the old Expected Family Contribution (EFC). When scholarships ask for your "FAFSA summary," they specifically want this document because it shows your financial need via the SAI number. Make sure you're downloading the complete PDF version through your studentaid.gov account, not just viewing the abbreviated online version.
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