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btw be ready for the new confusing stuff this year. they changed the whole system and SAI replaced EFC so everything looks different. and the parent info section takes forever now with all the new questions
That's partially correct. The FAFSA simplification did replace EFC with SAI (Student Aid Index), but the 2025-2026 application should actually have fewer questions than previous years. The forms were streamlined to remove approximately 30 questions that were deemed unnecessary. The contributor sections (what used to be called parent information) might feel longer because the questions are organized differently, but the total question count is lower. The biggest change is that more families can now automatically skip the asset questions if they meet certain income thresholds.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I'll make sure we use the same FSA IDs and just start a new application for 2025-2026. I'm glad I asked before potentially creating duplicate accounts and causing problems. My son will be handling his own account this time around since he's 19 now. I'm definitely not looking forward to the new system changes, but at least I know what to expect now. Thanks again!
One thing nobody mentioned yet - after your SAI appears, the next step is for your FAFSA information to be sent to the schools you listed on your application. This usually happens automatically, but sometimes there can be delays in this step too. Once the schools receive your information, they'll use your SAI to determine your financial aid package. If it's been more than 2 weeks since you submitted your FAFSA and you still don't see an SAI, I would definitely contact Federal Student Aid to check if there's an issue they need to resolve. Better to address any problems early in the process!
I think people are overthinking this. My daughter applied for fafsa last yr and we're a military family too. She just listed me (mom) as parent even though my husband is the service member. We got all the military benefits and she got a great financial aid package. As long as you check the military box and list his service correctly you should be fine.
UPDATE: I spoke with my daughter's college financial aid office, and they confirmed that either parent can be the contributor! I'm going ahead with completing the application as-is. Thanks everyone for your help and advice - especially about marking my husband's military status correctly. So relieved we don't have to start over from scratch!
Great update! I'm glad you took the initiative to contact them before submitting. Getting those forms and specific instructions will make the process much smoother. Just remember that if you do get stuck in the online FAFSA application (which happens often in these special situations), don't hesitate to call their helpline for assistance.
Jake Sinclair
Random question but did your son list both you and your husband on the FAFSA? Maybe only one of you got properly attached to the application and now they're trying to add the other? Just thinking out loud here...
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Saanvi Krishnaswami
•That's an interesting thought! He did list both of us, but maybe something got disconnected in the process. The whole new system seems so glitchy.
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Demi Lagos
After you complete your contributor portion, make sure to take screenshots of the confirmation page. With all the FAFSA issues this year, documentation is your friend. Also have your son log back into his studentaid.gov account about a week after you complete your portion to check that the status has updated appropriately.
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Saanvi Krishnaswami
•Great advice! I'll definitely take screenshots and have him check his account again next week. Thank you!
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