One other thing to check - make sure there isn't a mismatch between your husband's name as entered in the FAFSA and his name as it appears with the Social Security Administration. Even small differences like using a middle initial vs. full middle name can trigger verification issues. The system sometimes defaults to "no SS number" when it detects a potential name/SSN mismatch.

UPDATE: I finally got it fixed!!! For anyone else having this problem, here's what worked: I used an incognito browser like someone suggested, but the key was entering the information in a specific order: 1. Name 2. Date of birth 3. Social security number 4. THEN uncheck the "no SS number" box (even though I never checked it) For some bizarre reason, that sequence worked! The system accepted everything and I was able to move forward. Now just waiting for my SAI calculation to see what aid I qualify for. Thanks everyone for your help!

This is really helpful insight from someone who works in the system. It's amazing how the lack of transparency creates so much anxiety for students. Would you say calling the financial aid office is more effective than emailing at this stage?

calling is ALWAYS better than emailing especially this time of year when were drowning in emails. but be prepared to wait on hold for a long time. if you call first thing in the morning (like right when the office opens) you usually get through faster. also be super nice to whoever answers because we deal with angry people all day and are more likely to go the extra mile for someone who treats us like humans lol

Remember that the free market will adjust to whatever changes happen. If federal loan forgiveness becomes more restricted, private companies will step in with alternative solutions. Competition will force colleges to lower prices if federal funding dries up. It's basic economics - less

This perspective ignores how the higher education market actually works. When state funding for public universities declined over the past 20 years, tuition didn't decrease - it increased dramatically to make up the difference. Private loans typically have higher interest rates and fewer protections than federal ones. The idea that market forces alone will solve accessibility issues in higher education isn't supported by historical evidence or current economic research.

Update on my situation - the adblock suggestion worked for me! Turned off all extensions and suddenly I could see the Complete button. My application is finally in review status after being stuck for almost a month. This is ridiculous that we have to troubleshoot a government website like this.

Has anyone received their actual SAI score yet after getting past the 'In Process' stage? I'm wondering how long that typically takes after the application moves to 'In Review' status. Our university needs the official SAI for scholarship consideration.

the whole system is BROKEN. i even wrote to my congressman and guess what?? NOTHING HAPPENED. good luck getting any real help from anyone in the system!!

To answer your follow-up question about correcting a FAFSA that's already submitted - yes, you can absolutely make corrections! Log into studentaid.gov, go to the FAFSA application section, and select "Make FAFSA Corrections." You can add your older daughter to your younger daughter's form this way. This is important to get right, as it directly affects how your SAI gets divided. Regarding the Statement of Non-Tax Filing - if you did file taxes, you don't need this form. It's only for people who weren't required to file. From your mortgage comment, I'm guessing you did file taxes, so you likely just need to submit your tax transcript instead. For the processing time on your younger daughter's application, unfortunately patience is required, but if it goes beyond 4-5 weeks, that's when you should start making calls to check on the status.