Can I fax my paper FAFSA application instead of mailing it?

Pretty sure they dont accept faxes anymore. I tried that last yr and couldnt find a fax # anywhere. Had to mail mine and took like 3 weeks to process 😒

Hi there! While there used to be a fax option years ago, the Federal Student Aid office no longer accepts FAFSA applications by fax. You currently have only two options: 1. Submit online at studentaid.gov (preferred method) 2. Mail your paper FAFSA to: Federal Student Aid Programs P.O. Box 7654 London, KY 40742-7654 If internet reliability is your concern, here's a tip: you can save your application as you go. Complete sections at a time, save your progress, and then submit when you have a stable connection. You could even go to your local library or college financial aid office where they often have computers available specifically for completing the FAFSA.

why dont u just go to ur school financial aid office?? they can help u fill it out online right there and make sure everythings correct. thats what i did and they caught like 3 mistakes i wouldve made!

I got really frustrated with the online system too! If you're worried about the mail being slow, you can actually use USPS Priority Mail or certified mail to track your paper application. That's what I ended up doing last year when the website kept crashing on me. Just be aware that paper applications take about 7-10 days LONGER to process than online ones, according to the FSA officer I spoke with. So if you have upcoming deadlines for state grants or scholarships, that's something to consider.

I work at a college financial aid office, and I strongly recommend NOT using the paper option unless absolutely necessary. Here's why: - Paper applications take 2-3 weeks longer to process - Error rate is much higher on paper forms (no automatic error checking) - No immediate confirmation of receipt - No ability to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (which reduces your chances of being selected for verification) With your state deadline approaching, your best option is definitely to find a reliable internet connection. Most libraries, community centers, and every college financial aid office will have computers available specifically for FAFSA completion.

The whole FAFSA system is ridiculous!!! I tried calling them 9 TIMES last month to ask about my application status and either got disconnected or was on hold for over an hour each time. Paper, online, fax - doesn't matter, they make everything complicated on purpose! 😡

Somewhat related question - I submitted my FAFSA online but need to correct something. Anyone know if I can just mail in the correction form or do I have to do that online too?

One other option nobody mentioned - you could check if your state has any FAFSA completion events happening soon. Many states host these at high schools or community centers, especially as deadlines approach. They have volunteers and financial aid professionals who will help you complete the FAFSA on-site with their computers/internet. I've attended one and it was super helpful!

Hey Paolo! I just went through this exact same situation last month. Since faxing isn't an option anymore, I'd definitely recommend the library route that others mentioned. But here's a pro tip - call ahead to your local library and ask about their computer reservation system. Some libraries let you book time slots in advance, which guarantees you won't be waiting around for an available computer. Also, many libraries have staff who are familiar with helping people complete the FAFSA online, so don't be shy about asking for help if you run into any issues. The save-as-you-go feature really is a lifesaver - I used it to complete mine in 3 separate sessions over 2 days. Good luck with your application!

Just wanted to add another option that worked for me - if you have a smartphone with a decent data plan, you can actually complete the FAFSA using the myStudentAid mobile app! I was in a similar situation where my home internet was terrible, and the mobile app was way more reliable than trying to use the website on my phone's browser. You can still save your progress as you go, and it automatically syncs everything. The interface is pretty user-friendly too. I completed about 80% of mine using the app during my lunch breaks at work, then finished it up at home when I had a brief window of stable internet. Might be worth downloading and trying if the library route doesn't work out for you!

Hey Paolo! I completely understand your frustration with unreliable internet - been there! Just wanted to share another angle that might help: if you decide to go the library route (which I'd also recommend), consider bringing a USB drive or having your email ready to save copies of everything. Some libraries have time limits on computer use, so having your documents organized and maybe even pre-typed in a Word doc can speed things up. Also, I noticed you mentioned state grant deadlines - make sure to check if your state has its own FAFSA deadline that's earlier than the federal one. Some states have priority deadlines in February or March for their grant programs. The mobile app suggestion from Rita is solid too - I used it to double-check my info after submitting. You've got this!

Hey Paolo! Just wanted to chime in as someone who recently went through FAFSA hell myself. Since you're worried about your internet cutting out, here's what saved me: I actually started filling out the FAFSA on my phone using mobile data while sitting in my car outside a Starbucks with free wifi as backup 😅 That way if my data got spotty, I could quickly connect to their wifi without losing progress. The mobile app really is solid like Rita mentioned. Also, pro tip - screenshot each page after you fill it out, just in case something goes wrong. I know it sounds paranoid but it gave me peace of mind! And definitely check your state's specific deadline - mine was a full month earlier than the federal deadline and I almost missed it. You've got tons of good options here, don't stress too much about the mailing delays!