UPDATE: Just wanted to follow up - after submitting my correction to add my dependents, my SAI dropped by over $7,500! That's a huge difference that affected my Pell Grant eligibility. So definitely don't skip fixing this glitch once you can submit corrections.

why is fafsa so complicated for parents???! nobody told me i would need a computer science degree to apply for financial aid lmao

one more thing - when u submit ur appeal make copeis of EVERYTHING and send by certified mail or delivry confirmation if not submitting online. cant tell u how many times schools "lost" paperwork conveniently close to deadlines.

Thank you all SO MUCH for the helpful advice! I just wanted to update that I was able to get through to FSA using that Claimyr service (which worked exactly as described), and they confirmed I can submit a Professional Judgment request. I've already downloaded the special circumstances form from our school's website and am gathering all our medical documentation. The agent even put notes in our file about our conversation! I'm also going to request a meeting with the senior financial aid officer tomorrow as suggested. Feeling much more hopeful now that we can get this resolved before the deadline. Will update when I hear back about the appeal!

my cousin had this same problem last year with a different date range. she ended up having to resubmit her whole application and it messed up her getting into dorming. hope they fix yours faster

Just wanted to follow up - did you get your SAI score yet? The Department of Education promised all the delayed January applications would be processed by yesterday.

Update: I just got through to someone at my school's financial aid office who had more info. Apparently for students who were already verified once, they're ONLY re-verifying specific expenses that get more weight in the new formula. For me that's my family's medical expenses and housing costs. They said once I submit those specific documents, the new SAI calculation should be much faster than a normal verification. Hope this helps others in the same situation!

For anyone confused about what documentation to submit for this second verification round: - Housing costs: Mortgage statement or lease agreement - Medical expenses: Summary of medical bills or Schedule A if you itemized medical expenses - Multiple students in college: New enrollment verification form - Child support: Court documentation or notarized statement Check your specific verification letter to see which categories they're requesting - most people only need to verify 1-2 of these categories, not all of them.

im so tired of FAFSA changing everything and messing up peoples financial aid!!! they messed up SAI calculations, contributor access was broken for weeks, and now signatures disappearing?? they should just automatically extend all deadlines by like a month with all these problems

Quick update for everyone following this thread: The Department of Education just announced they're implementing a 14-day grace period for signature issues related to the known system glitch. This applies to state deadlines for the 2025-2026 application cycle, including Cal Grants. You should still contact CSAC directly, but this official policy should help your case. Reference "Signature Validation Error Code SV-2023-05" when discussing with representatives.