anyone know if colleges accept aid appeals this late? my fafsa also got delayed and now the package i got isn't enough but idk if its too late to appeal

Based on what you've shared, this does sound like normal processing delays rather than something wrong with your FAFSA. The 2023-2024 FAFSA rollout has been particularly challenging with significant delays. In my experience working with families this year: - Some schools are taking 4-6 weeks to process corrected FAFSAs - Many schools are extending their financial aid deadlines in recognition of these delays - Financial aid offices are extremely overwhelmed with the backlog I still recommend calling, but approach the conversation with understanding that the staff are likely doing their best under difficult circumstances. Ask if they've extended deadlines due to FAFSA delays, and if they have a process for holding your daughter's place until the corrected FAFSA arrives.

@collegebound2025 The 2025-2026 FAFSA application period opens October 1, 2024, so you can't apply yet for Fall 2025. However, you can create your FSA ID ahead of time and gather the necessary documents (2023 tax returns, current asset information, etc.). The hope is that many of these system issues will be resolved by the time the next application cycle begins.

UPDATE: Day 5 and my daughter was finally able to sign her FAFSA! The signature option just appeared this morning when she logged in. No email notification or anything. Now it says we need to wait for SAI calculation. Thanks everyone for your help and advice - especially about contacting her schools. They were all very understanding about the delay!

my cousins app got rejected 3 TIMES for signature issues!! first electronic then paper then they said the signatures didn't match?!?! what does that even mean lol. financial aid office at his school finally had to help. maybe try that if the mail thing doesn't work

just wonderin if u ever got this fixed?? im having same problem now and need to know how long before they approved yours after you mailed signatures???

One more thing - if you've verified all the information is correct but still get the error, try having your son go back to the "Manage Contributors" section rather than starting a new invite. Sometimes there's an option there to resend an existing invitation which works better than creating a new one. Also, make sure you're logging into studentaid.gov directly rather than clicking through from an email link which can sometimes cause problems.

Just to follow up - if you do get an error message, look for a specific error code (usually something like ERR-XX-XXXX). Those codes can help the FSA helpline identify exactly what's causing the issue if you need to call them. Also, if you're getting close to your son's priority deadline, remember that many schools will work with you if you can show you've been attempting to complete the FAFSA. Document your attempts (screenshots of errors) just in case.

Do you mind sharing what documentation was most helpful in your case? My husband recently lost his job, and we're going to attempt this process. I've been told to gather termination letter, unemployment benefit statements, and recent bank statements. Anything else that really helped convince them in your experience?

The most convincing documents for us were:\n\n1. A detailed letter from my husband's employer explaining exactly why his hours were cut and confirming it wasn't temporary\n2. Three months of pay stubs showing the before/after difference\n3. A spreadsheet I created showing our monthly expenses versus current income (they didn't ask for this but the counselor later told me it really helped)\n4. Medical bills and a letter from my doctor explaining why I couldn't work full-time\n\nI think the key was providing documentation from \