I had the same issue and found out there are actually two separate problems that could be happening: 1. If your son added you as a contributor but your email address was entered incorrectly, you won't receive the invitation email. The fix is for him to update your email in the system. 2. If your son correctly added you as a contributor but you can't see his FAFSA when you log in, it's likely because your FSA ID isn't properly linked to the parent role. This is a surprisingly common technical glitch in the system. For the second issue, I had to call the Federal Student Aid Information Center. I was initially frustrated because I couldn't get through after being on hold for over an hour. Then I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me through to an agent in about 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent was able to manually link my account to my child's FAFSA, and I could immediately see and sign it. Definitely worth trying if you continue having issues after verifying the email is correct.

Update: Just wanted to circle back since I had this EXACT problem. The issue was that my son had entered my email correctly, but there's a difference between: 1. Adding a parent's information to the FAFSA (demographics, finances, etc.) 2. Actually inviting the parent as a contributor who can sign He thought by entering my information, I was automatically invited, but there's a separate step to send the parent invitation. When he went to the parent/contributor section, he saw he hadn't actually completed the invitation process. Check that your son has specifically sent the invitation, not just entered your info!

i had a similar problem but with my parents info! what worked for me was turning off my wifi and using my phone data instead. something about the school internet was blocking it idk why

I'm having a somewhat related issue but with uploading tax documents. Anyone else having trouble with the document upload feature? It keeps saying "file not supported" even though I'm using PDF format as instructed. So frustrating!!

The whole FAFSA redesign this year is a DISASTER! Parent contributors having separate accounts from students makes sense in theory but the implementation is TERRIBLE. My son's SAI calculation was wrong THREE TIMES because of their system glitches. Every time I called, I got different information about how to fix it. The colleges were asking for his FAFSA information and we couldn't even get it processed correctly. Anyone who says this new system is "simplified" is LYING.

To answer your follow-up question - yes, you can make corrections to a submitted FAFSA anytime until the application deadline (June 30, 2026 for the 2025-2026 form). However, for maximum aid consideration, you'll want to make any corrections before your son's college priority deadlines. Also, once you're in the correct account, look for the "Parent Information" section. This is where you'll be prompted to provide YOUR FSA ID to sign as a parent contributor - this is the correct way the parent/student accounts are supposed to work together.

I work in a college financial aid office, and I want to reassure everyone that we are VERY aware of the FAFSA processing delays. Most schools (including mine) are being flexible with priority deadlines this year. Here's what we're telling our students: 1. Document your FAFSA submission date (screenshot the confirmation page or email) 2. Contact your school's financial aid office proactively to alert them of your early submission 3. Don't panic about the SAI calculation - just because your FAFSA isn't processed doesn't mean you're losing your place in line 4. The Department of Education won't begin sending FAFSA data to schools until early February anyway This new FAFSA has been challenging for everyone - students, parents, AND financial aid administrators. We're all figuring it out together. Just keep documentation of when you submitted, and you should be fine for priority deadlines.

My daughter submitted January 1st and hers JUST changed to processed yesterday!!! But now I'm panicking because her SAI is way higher than we expected 😭 We make about $78,000 and her SAI is 12,354 which seems really high. Anyone know if that's normal or if something went wrong?

This is a known issue with reciprocal contributor relationships in the new FAFSA system. When you're both contributors to each other's applications, the system can get confused, especially if there were previous applications. From my experience working in financial aid, I would recommend: 1. Print a copy of your school's financial aid deadline documentation 2. Take screenshots of the error/freezing issue 3. Call your school's financial aid office ASAP and explain the situation 4. Ask if they can grant you a deadline extension while you resolve the technical issues Most schools are aware of the FAFSA system problems this year and have processes in place for extensions due to technical difficulties. They may also have direct contacts at Federal Student Aid who can help resolve your specific issue.

any luck getting it fixed? i'm curious which solution ended up working for you