


Ask the community...
UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know what worked for us. Mom's FSA ID verification actually went through within a few hours (not days), and she was able to sign my FAFSA. The key things were: 1. She had to use a completely different email than mine 2. She had to enter her SSN and birth date EXACTLY as they appear on her Social Security card 3. She had to click the email verification link immediately 4. She had to log in with her OWN credentials at studentaid.gov 5. Under "Apply for Aid" she found my FAFSA that was waiting for her signature The application was submitted successfully and we got the confirmation email. Thanks everyone for your help!!!
quick question thats sorta related - does the student have to be there when the parent signs their part? or can my mom do her signature part whenever, even if im not around?
Parents can complete their portion and sign at any time separately from the student. Since each person has their own FSA ID and logs in independently, you don't need to be in the same place or signing at the same time. This is actually helpful for divorced parents or when students are away at college and parents are at home.
wait tho can't u just call each school directly and give them ur fafsa confirmation number? i thought that works too
Unfortunately, that's not how the FAFSA system works. Schools can only access your FAFSA information if you specifically list them on your FAFSA application. The confirmation number is just for your records - it doesn't grant schools access to your data. The only way to share your FAFSA with additional schools is to add them to your FAFSA through the studentaid.gov website as others have described.
Thank you everyone for the amazing advice! I've started rotating schools in batches of 10 after removing the original set (except for his top choices). I'm keeping a detailed spreadsheet with dates of when each school was added and plan to follow up with financial aid offices to confirm receipt. I've also discovered that 4 of the schools actually don't require the FAFSA at all (they use CSS Profile exclusively), so that reduced my list a bit. For the remaining schools, I'll probably try that Claimyr service mentioned earlier if I run into any issues confirming everything went through properly. This process is so much more complicated than I expected, but I feel much better equipped now. Thank you all again!
Anyone tried filing a complaint with the Department of Education or contacting their congress person? After 3 months of this garbage with my twins' FAFSAs, I filed formal complaints everywhere and suddenly their applications started working. Coincidence? I think not.
I hadn't thought about contacting our representative! That's a great idea. Where exactly did you file the formal complaints? Was there a specific website or form you used?
I filed complaints through the Federal Student Aid Feedback Center (studentaid.gov/feedback-center/) and also emailed our congressional representative's office with specific details about the ongoing issues. The congressional office actually assigned a caseworker who followed up with me! Worth trying both approaches.
update: we just tried the early morning thing that someone mentioned and IT WORKED!!!!! logged in at 5:15am and everything went through fine. after 2 months of nothing working. what a stupid system but at least its done now
For those concerned about deadlines, I recommend three steps: 1. Email your school's financial aid office with your FAFSA confirmation number and submission date 2. Take screenshots of your FAFSA submission confirmation page 3. Check the school's financial aid website or call them directly about adjusted deadlines Most institutions understand the unprecedented delays this year and are being flexible. However, you should still document everything and be proactive in communicating with your school. The Department of Education has also advised schools to be accommodating with their priority deadlines for the 2025-2026 cycle specifically because of these processing delays.
Has anyone actually gotten through on FSA's phone line lately???? I've tried 6 DIFFERENT TIMES this week alone and I can't get a human!!!! Either the call disconnects or the automated system tells me the wait is over 2 hours. This is absolutely RIDICULOUS!!!
I was in the same boat until I used Claimyr. The regular FAFSA phone line is completely overwhelmed right now. When I finally got through, the agent said they're getting 3x their normal call volume with the new FAFSA rollout.
just tried the claimyr thing and got through in 15 mins!! the agent said my application had been selected for verification which is why it was taking so long. at least now i know what's happening. thx for the recommendation
Nathan Dell
When I filled out my son's FAFSA last week, I got confused about the tax questions too. I DO file taxes, but it still skipped a bunch of questions I remember from previous years. I think they just simplified the whole system for everyone, not just people on disability. My son's SAI calculation came through fine though, so I guess they got what they needed?
0 coins
Jessica Nolan
•You're exactly right. The 2025-2026 FAFSA was completely redesigned to be simpler for everyone. They're pulling more information directly from the IRS for tax filers and other federal agencies for benefit recipients, which means fewer questions overall. They also eliminated questions about some assets that used to be counted in the old formula.
0 coins
Leo McDonald
Thanks everyone for the reassurance! I submitted the application as is, and it went through without any errors. The confirmation page showed my daughter's SAI score, which actually looks better than I expected. I guess the new system is working in our favor for once!
0 coins
KingKongZilla
•That's great news! Just remember to check her student aid account regularly in case they request any additional information later. The verification process can happen anytime in the next few months, even after aid offers go out.
0 coins