Can I use my existing FSA ID for multiple children's FAFSA applications?
I'm trying to navigate the FAFSA process for my junior daughter right now. My youngest daughter will be starting college this fall too. Quick question - do I need to create a brand new parent FSA ID for my younger daughter's application, or can I just use the same parent account I already created for my older daughter? I've spent hours setting up everything for my junior's application and really don't want to go through creating another parent account if I don't have to. The FAFSA website isn't clear about this at all.
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Philip Cowan
You can definitely use the same FSA ID! I have 3 kids in college right now and use my one parent FSA ID for all their FAFSA applications. The parent FSA ID is tied to YOU, not to any specific child. Just make sure each of your daughters creates their own separate student FSA IDs for their individual applications.
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Kara Yoshida
•Oh thank goodness! I was afraid I'd have to remember yet another username and password. So I just log in with my existing parent FSA ID and then create a separate application for my younger daughter?
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Caesar Grant
Yup u can use the same FSA ID for both kids. Each kid needs their own but parents just need 1. Thats how the system works
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Kara Yoshida
•Thanks! That makes this process a little less overwhelming.
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Lena Schultz
Yes, you absolutely use the same parent FSA ID for all your children. The FSA ID is specifically linked to your Social Security Number, so you can't create multiple parent IDs anyway. Just make sure: 1. Each of your daughters creates their own student FSA ID 2. You'll complete separate FAFSA forms for each child 3. Your financial information will need to be entered on each application 4. When you start the second application, many fields may automatically populate based on your first application Also important: starting with the 2024-2025 FAFSA, both parents in a two-parent household now need their own FSA IDs if filing jointly, so make sure your spouse also has one if applicable.
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Kara Yoshida
•This is really helpful, especially the tip about information populating from the first application. Does the system do that automatically or do I need to select something specific?
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Gemma Andrews
sry but i have to ask - did u already fill out the 2024-25 FAFSA for ur older daughter?? cuz if not, u might be able to list both daughters on the same application and save urself some time!
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Kara Yoshida
•No, I haven't submitted anything yet! Wait, can I really put both daughters on one form? The older one is already in college (junior year) and the younger one is starting this fall. I thought they needed separate applications?
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Lena Schultz
•Just to clarify - you need separate FAFSA applications for each student. The original advice is incorrect. While you'll use the same parent FSA ID, each child needs their own complete FAFSA submission.
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Pedro Sawyer
I tried using my FSA ID for both my kids last year and the system kept crashing on me. Ended up having to call FAFSA support and wait like 2 HOURS just to get through to someone who could help. The system is such a nightmare sometimes.
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Mae Bennett
•If you ever need to contact FSA support again without the crazy wait times, check out Claimyr.com. I used their service last month when I had verification issues, and they got me connected to an actual FSA agent in about 10 minutes instead of the usual 2+ hour wait. They have a demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ. Totally worth it when you're dealing with time-sensitive FAFSA problems.
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Kara Yoshida
•Thanks for the tip! I'm bookmarking that site just in case. The wait times for FAFSA support are ridiculous.
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Beatrice Marshall
I remember when i had to do this for my twins!!! so confusing!!! make sure u list both kids in college on BOTH applications bc that affects ur SAI calculation!!!!
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Kara Yoshida
•That's a great point about listing both kids on each application! I didn't realize that would impact the SAI calculation. This whole system is so complicated.
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Philip Cowan
One more thing - make sure to keep track of which email addresses you used for each FSA ID. I got locked out of my account because I couldn't remember which email I used for which child's application. It's the little organizational details that make the FAFSA process smoother.
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Kara Yoshida
•Great advice. I'm going to create a spreadsheet to track all the login info and application details for both kids. Trying to stay organized with this process!
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Vince Eh
Just wanted to add my experience as someone who went through this process last year! You definitely use the same parent FSA ID for both kids - that part everyone got right. But here's something that might save you time: when you start the second FAFSA application, the system will ask if you want to transfer information from a previous application. Say YES to this! It'll pull over most of your parent financial info automatically, so you won't have to re-enter everything from scratch. Just double-check all the numbers since tax info might have changed between applications. Also, don't forget that having two kids in college at the same time can actually help with your Expected Family Contribution, so make sure that's reflected correctly on both forms!
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