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Update on my situation - got the SSN fixed! Called back this morning, asked for Tier 2 support like someone suggested, and they fixed it immediately. The agent said it should update in 3-5 days in the system. FYI they said this is happening because the system isn't correctly transferring contributor information from the IRS data retrieval tool.
UPDATE: I called this morning, asked specifically for Tier 2 support, and got someone who knew exactly what I was talking about! She said they've had tons of these cases and submitted a correction request for my spouse's SSN. She gave me a confirmation number and said it should be fixed in the system within 3-5 business days. She also mentioned they're working on a system update to fix this glitch for everyone affected. Thank you all for your help!!
You might also want to check if your daughter qualifies for independent status due to the death of a parent. I'm not 100% sure about the rules, but I think if one parent is deceased and the student isn't living with or receiving financial support from the other parent, they might qualify as independent. That would completely change the SAI calculation.
That's not correct for FAFSA purposes. A student doesn't automatically qualify as independent if one parent dies - they would still report the surviving parent's information. The only death-related independent status is if BOTH parents are deceased. The OP should definitely pursue the professional judgment route instead, as that's designed exactly for situations like this.
Thank you all for the helpful advice! I've started reaching out to the financial aid offices at each school. One has already responded and sent me their Special Circumstances form, which specifically has a section for "Death of spouse" and "Loss of employment." Feeling a bit more hopeful now. I'll keep you updated on how it goes!
my cousin had this problem and it turned out his application was actually incomplete even though he thought he was done! the FAFSA website is THE WORST. make sure you've actually completed everything before freaking out about the signature.
Hey did you get this resolved? I had a similar issue and realized I needed to complete the "Agreements" section first before I could sign and submit. Just checking if you were able to submit your application!
you should look into if he qualifies for a dependency override maybe? my brother got one when my mom couldnt help with his college anymore and he got way more financial aid
This isn't accurate advice for this situation. Dependency overrides are only granted in extreme circumstances like abusive relationships, abandonment, or incarceration of parents - not financial difficulties. What you're referring to might be a professional judgment review, which is different. Yale can adjust the financial aid package if there are special circumstances, but the student would still be considered dependent.
Update for anyone who finds this later: We had success! After meeting with Yale financial aid (and yes, they had a separate summer aid form due in March that we just barely made), they're covering about 60% of the summer costs through a combination of loans and a small grant. For the remaining amount, we're using the consortium agreement idea to have him take one class at our local community college that will transfer back. Thank you all SO MUCH for your help - we're looking at about $3,800 out of pocket instead of $9,000+. Still not cheap but manageable with a payment plan.
Giovanni Rossi
Btw did anyone else notice the FAFSA website is super glitchy on mobile? Can't even see half the fields when filling it out on my phone had to switch to laptop.
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Dylan Evans
•omg yes!! i thought it was just my phone lol. the buttons kept disappearing when i tried to sign the form. so annoying!!
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Amara Adebayo
UPDATE: I called my daughter's college financial aid office this morning and they were super helpful! They said this happens all the time with siblings and multiple parent accounts. They noted in our file that we might have a processing delay because of the account issue. Also checked both applications and made sure the household size and financial info matched exactly. Feeling much better now! Thanks everyone for your help!
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Fatima Al-Mansour
•That's excellent! Financial aid offices are usually very understanding about these system issues. Glad you got it sorted out!
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Sofia Gomez
•So glad it worked out! I'm calling my kids' schools tomorrow to do the same thing. This thread has been so helpful!
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