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my cousin got a negative sai too but then got selected for verification and had to send in like a million documents and it took FOREVER to process. just warning u it might not be over yet lol
Cash income can definitely complicate verification. If your mother doesn't receive W-2s for her house cleaning work, she should have reported this income on Schedule C as self-employment income on her taxes. During verification, you might need to provide a signed statement explaining her work situation and income. Some schools accept income verification letters from employers or even detailed personal records of cash payments if official documentation isn't available.
Anyone else notice how the FAFSA website keeps changing? My counselor said something about a "soft launch" for the new system and said we might need to recheck our submissions through January. I'd monitor your account regularly just to be safe.
Your counselor is correct. The Department of Education has announced that the 2025-2026 FAFSA is undergoing a phased implementation with ongoing updates. While the core functionality is working, they're still refining certain elements of the system. I recommend checking your StudentAid.gov account weekly and ensuring your contact information is current so you receive any important notifications.
Just to add - I've been tracking this issue closely, and currently about 60% of colleges have announced extended decision deadlines. The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) has been collecting this information. Most extensions are to May 15, but some schools are going as late as June 1st. If your colleges haven't announced extensions yet, they probably will soon given how widespread the FAFSA issues have been. This is literally the most delayed FAFSA processing cycle in history.
Just got updated info from another FSA agent today - they're now saying all FAFSA data should be transmitted to colleges by March 22nd, and schools are being asked to prioritize processing aid packages for incoming freshmen first. Most schools are telling families to expect packages by mid-April. If you haven't heard about your specific colleges extending their decision deadlines, call their admissions offices directly - many are making these decisions on a rolling basis.
anybody notice how the FAFSA is SUPPOSEDLY easier now but somehow gives LESS aid than before?? my nephew got $3400 LESS this year with the "simplified" fafsa and their financial situation is EXACTLY THE SAME!!
The new FAFSA formula (now using SAI instead of EFC) does calculate family contribution differently. Some middle-income families are seeing less aid, while others are seeing more. It depends on your specific financial details like number of dependents in college, types of income and assets, etc. Your nephew should definitely appeal if there was such a significant change without corresponding changes in financial circumstances.
Update: I want to thank everyone for their advice. I called both financial aid offices this morning and learned that my twins ARE eligible for additional unsubsidized loans because of our Parent PLUS denial. That will cover about $8,000 of our gap. I've also scheduled appointments to discuss institutional payment plans and possible additional grants based on our medical bill situation. My sister has agreed to look into being an endorser for a smaller Parent PLUS loan to cover the remaining amount. I'm still stressed but feeling like we have a path forward now.
Mateo Martinez
Have u tried appealing ur SAI? My family had a similar situation (they said we could pay $22k lol as if) and we submitted a professional judgment request with documentation of some medical expenses and got it reduced. Worth a shot before u take out a bunch of loans
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Diego Vargas
•I didn't know that was possible! What kind of documentation did you need to provide? My dad actually lost his job last month (after we submitted the FAFSA) so maybe that would qualify us for an adjustment?
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NeonNinja
Yes, your father's job loss is absolutely grounds for a professional judgment review! Contact your financial aid office ASAP and ask for a "Professional Judgment Review" or "Special Circumstances Review" form. You'll need to provide documentation of the job loss (termination letter, unemployment benefits statement) and possibly your family's updated income information. Regarding your earlier question about deadlines for Direct Unsubsidized Loans - you can generally request these any time during the academic year before the last day of classes. So you haven't missed any deadline. Just be aware that if you request loans late in the semester, the disbursement might be delayed. And yes, your dad's job loss situation could potentially lower your SAI significantly and qualify you for subsidized loans and additional grants!
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Diego Vargas
•Thank you so much for all this information! I'm calling the financial aid office first thing tomorrow morning. Hoping the professional judgment review helps us qualify for better aid. I really appreciate everyone's advice here - feeling much less stressed about my options now.
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