UPDATE: I finally got this resolved! I used that Claimyr service to get through to an actual person at FSA yesterday. The agent was able to verify my identity using my SSN and date of birth, then manually changed my email address in their system. I had to wait about 24 hours, but I now have access to my FSA ID again! My son and I finished his FAFSA application last night. Just wanted to update in case anyone else runs into this problem. The key is getting to an actual human who can help with account recovery.

That's great news! For anyone else dealing with similar issues, here's a quick summary of options for FSA ID email recovery: 1. Try the standard recovery options on studentaid.gov first 2. Call the dedicated FSA ID technical support line (not the general FAFSA helpline) 3. Use a call connection service if you keep getting disconnected 4. Ask your student's school counselor for assistance 5. As a last resort, create a new FSA ID (but be prepared for potential verification issues) And remember that with the 2025-2026 FAFSA, parents can now create separate contributor accounts rather than using their original FSA ID. This new system is specifically designed to address situations like this, though it's still having some growing pains.

my cousins kid got more money when they had 2 in college then when it was just 1. something about the family contribution being split between them. but idk if thats still how it works with all the fafsa changes lately

Thank you all SO MUCH for the helpful advice! I'm definitely going to include both children on the FAFSA now. I had no idea that having multiple students could actually HELP with financial aid rather than hurt it. I feel much better about the whole situation. I'll make sure to update everything if my youngest decides not to attend college after all, but at least now I know I'm not risking my oldest's aid by including both. This community is amazing!

Another thing I learned from my experience - keep ALL documentation related to your custody and living situation in a folder (physical or digital). When my triplets applied, I needed: - Copy of divorce decree - Copy of custody agreement showing physical placement - School records showing my address - Utility bills showing household size - Letter explaining our tax arrangement Better to have it and not need it than scramble at the last minute! The worst part of FAFSA is the verification process when they question things, especially with divorced parents.

Thank you everyone for the helpful advice! So to summarize what I've learned: 1. Count both twins in my household size for FAFSA even though I only claim one on taxes 2. My ex's income won't be considered since the twins live with me full-time 3. Child support I receive will count as untaxed income 4. I should start gathering documentation now in case of verification 5. FAFSA is primarily concerned with actual living arrangements, not tax filing status This has been so helpful in understanding how to approach this when the time comes. I'm glad I started learning about this early!

Just wanted to add - while you're waiting for verification, make sure your son has gathered all the other information he'll need for the application. For the 2025-2026 FAFSA, you'll need 2023 tax information (which is different from previous years where you used prior-prior year tax info). Also make sure you have records of any untaxed income and current asset information (bank accounts, investments, etc.) ready to go. The new FAFSA pulls some tax info directly from the IRS, but you'll still need to answer questions about assets manually.

UPDATE: Our verification just went through! It took exactly 3 days. Now we're able to complete the parent contribution section without any issues. Thanks everyone for your help and reassurance!

wait so does processed mean they got the SAI score or just that they submitted it correctly? i thought the SAI is what tells you how much money youll get?

Update: I just heard back from the financial aid office at my son's college, and they confirmed they received his processed FAFSA yesterday! Apparently the chat agent was right and the emails were wrong. They said we should expect to see an aid package within 2-3 weeks. Thanks everyone for your help and advice! I'm still annoyed at how confusing the system is, but at least we know where we stand now.