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This happens when there's a mismatch between what you reported and what the IRS data retrieval tool imported. The system locks up because it can't reconcile the difference. I recommend: 1. Try logging in very late at night or early morning (system maintenance usually happens around 2-4am EST, but right after is often a good window) 2. Use the FAFSA correction form (you can download a PDF version from studentaid.gov/resources) and fax it to the number on the form 3. As others mentioned, your daughter's school financial aid office can often make these corrections directly Also, be sure you're using the most updated browser - sometimes older browsers conflict with their security protocols.
Thank you! I didn't know there was a PDF correction form option. Will definitely look for that. I tried logging in at 3:15am last night based on another comment here and still got the same error, so I might try the fax route while also talking to her school.
You're welcome! One more tip: when faxing, include a cover sheet clearly stating the student's name, FAFSA ID, and the specific correction needed. Write "SYSTEM ERROR PREVENTING ONLINE CORRECTION" at the top in large letters. And send it multiple times if possible - their fax system can be just as unreliable as their website.
UPDATE: Finally got this resolved! I ended up doing three things simultaneously: 1. Used Claimyr to get through to an actual human at Federal Student Aid (THANK YOU for that suggestion - it actually worked!) 2. Contacted my daughter's school financial aid office 3. Faxed in the correction form The FSA agent confirmed there was a system-wide glitch affecting income verification corrections for many applicants. They made a note on our account and manually pushed our correction through. The school also submitted an override from their side. For anyone else dealing with this: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Take screenshots, save confirmation numbers, get agent names. The agent told me this has been happening to thousands of people with the new system rollout.
I had a similar issue and realized my student had to specifically select "Add a Parent/Contributor" in her FAFSA. Check if your student properly generated the invitation link for you - they expire after 14 days. Have them log in and check the "Action Required" section on their dashboard.
I just checked my FSA account and saw they updated my payment count! It looks like they're still counting payments during this period as long as you're making them on time. Maybe try logging in again to see if your account shows the same?
UPDATE: I finally got through to an FSA representative (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned - it actually worked!) and got some clarification. You all were right - the SAVE program legal challenges don't affect payment counting for existing IDR plans. The agent confirmed all my payments are still being counted, including recent ones. She helped me submit a payment count review since I'd had multiple servicers, and recommended I keep all my payment confirmations just in case. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and advice. This whole system is still frustrating, but at least my timeline isn't being extended.
THIS IS WHY THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! Why should parents have to jump through all these hoops and strategize about loans just to send their kids to college? The whole FAFSA parent contribution expectation is ridiculous. I make decent money but have 3 kids and the "expected family contribution" they calculate is LAUGHABLE. No normal family has that kind of extra cash sitting around!
i know right?? and now with the new FAFSA and SAI formula my expected contribution went up even though our finances are exactly the same as last year 🙄
To summarize the key points everyone has made: 1. Parent PLUS interest rates are fixed for the academic year regardless of credit score (pass/fail only) 2. You WILL save interest by borrowing only what you need for fall now 3. You'll pay the origination fee on each loan amount 4. If your credit improves significantly, you might qualify for better private loan rates for spring 5. Check with your school's financial aid office about their procedures for splitting the loan between semesters Given all this, your strategy does have merit, even if not for the exact reasons you initially thought.
Cameron Black
just wondering im in similar situation but were doing the css profile too for some schools. does anyone know if the preliminary estimates include css profile info or just fafsa? thx
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Hannah White
•Great question. Schools that require the CSS Profile typically will want that data for even preliminary estimates, as it collects more detailed financial information than FAFSA. If you've completed the CSS Profile already, they can use that information while waiting for your FAFSA to process. If you haven't completed it yet, I would prioritize doing so if you want accurate preliminary estimates from those institutions.
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Natalie Chen
Update: I called three schools today based on the advice here. Two were really helpful! They asked for our AGI from last year's taxes, number of people in household, and number in college. One school gave us a rough estimate range, and the other actually walked through specific amounts for different types of aid they'd likely offer. The third school refused to give any numbers without the processed FAFSA. Now I need to call the other two tomorrow. I also tried the Net Price Calculators as suggested, but the information they asked for was pretty basic and I'm not sure how accurate the results will be. At least it's a starting point though!
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Santiago Martinez
•nice! which school gave u the most detailed estimate? curious if its one of the ones my kid applied to
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Natalie Chen
•It was a small private liberal arts college in the Northeast. They even said they'd email us the preliminary breakdown! I was really impressed with how helpful they were.
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