Can I create FAFSA ID now for 2025-26 application before Dec 1 deadline?

Yes! You can (and should) create your FSA ID now - it's actually recommended to do it well before the application opens. Both you and your daughter will need separate FSA IDs since you'll be listed as the parent/contributor on her application. The official site is studentaid.gov for both creating FSA IDs and completing the FAFSA when it opens. Here's the direct link: https://studentaid.gov Definitely avoid any sites asking for payment to complete the FAFSA - the official process is always free (that's what the first F in FAFSA stands for - Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

yep u can totaly make the fsa id now!! did mine 2 months ago for next year. the real fafsa site is studentaid.gov anything else is FAKE dont click!!

Just adding some important context - creating your FSA ID now is smart, but be aware that it can take 1-3 days for your information to be verified with the Social Security Administration before your FSA ID becomes fully functional. Some people run into issues during this verification step, so giving yourself this extra time is a good move. Both you and your daughter will need: - Social Security numbers - Full legal names as they appear on Social Security cards - Date of birth - Contact information (email, phone) - Challenge questions and answers for account recovery And yes, studentaid.gov is the only legitimate site. Be very careful with any emails claiming to be from FAFSA that direct you elsewhere!

I created my FSA ID last month but completely FORGOT my password already 🤦‍♀️ Now I'm locked out and the recovery process is a NIGHTMARE. Learn from my mistake and WRITE DOWN your FSA ID username and password somewhere safe!!! The customer service for FSA accounts is basically nonexistent...

I actually tried calling the Federal Student Aid helpline about this exact question last week and was on hold for over an hour before giving up. So frustrating! Has anyone had success actually reaching them by phone?

BE CAREFUL when creating FSA IDs! My daughter and I both created ours last year, but I accidentally used my email for both accounts instead of creating hers with her own email. It caused a HUGE headache when we tried to complete her FAFSA. Had to get a new email just for her account and go through customer service to fix everything. Make sure: 1. Each person uses their OWN email 2. Each person uses their OWN phone number 3. Don't rush through the security questions The system will actually warn you if you try to use the same email for multiple accounts, but in my exhausted parent-of-senior state, I somehow missed that warning.

One more tip regarding the 2025-26 FAFSA timeline: - Create FSA IDs now (October/November) - Application opens December 1, 2024 - Complete FAFSA as soon as possible after opening (ideally December/January) - Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation typically arrives 3-5 days after submission - Schools receive your information after SAI calculation - Aid packages typically sent February-April depending on the school Even though the deadline isn't until June 30, 2026, many state and institutional aid programs have much earlier deadlines and some operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Always aim to submit as close to the December opening as possible.

Yes, the 2025-26 FAFSA will use your 2023 tax information (which you filed in 2024). This is part of the prior-prior year system they use now, which makes it easier since you'll already have completed those tax returns. One other thing to prepare - if you and your daughter both have smartphones, I recommend downloading the myStudentAid mobile app. You can create the FSA IDs and complete the FAFSA through the app as well, and some people find the mobile interface easier than the desktop site.