Can't access student portion of FAFSA for both kids - do we start over?

Don't start over! I had the exact same issue with my twins' applications last week. The system is super glitchy this year with the new changes. Try having your kids log in from completely different devices than what you used. For some reason, the cookie/cache issues are causing major problems. My daughter had to use her phone (not on our wifi) and my son used the school computer lab. Both worked after that!

omg the new fafsa is THE WORST!!! i had to start over 3 times for my application. the parent contributor part kept timing out for my mom. eventually we just sat together at the library computers and did it all in one session. might be worth trying that approach?

Having worked through the FAFSA with my three college students this year, I can tell you the "in progress" status is actually normal and doesn't necessarily indicate a problem. After you complete the parent contribution section, there's a processing period of about 24-48 hours before the student sections fully activate. The system needs to verify the parent information and calculate preliminary contribution amounts before allowing student access. Things to try: 1. Wait 48 hours from your submission 2. Have your students clear browser cache completely 3. Use the .gov site directly, not through any school portal 4. Make sure they're using their own FSA IDs (not yours) 5. Try during non-peak hours (early morning works best) The new FAFSA is frustrating but much better once you understand the workflow. Don't start over unless you've waited at least 48 hours and tried these steps.

I had this EXACT problem last month!!! The system is SO BROKEN. I spent HOURS trying to get through to someone at Federal Student Aid and kept getting disconnected. I was ready to throw my computer out the window lol.

This is a common issue with the new FAFSA system. There are a few technical reasons why your children can't access their portions: 1. Browser compatibility issues - The FAFSA site works best with Chrome or Firefox (updated versions) 2. Processing delay - The system needs 24-72 hours to process the parent contribution before student access activates 3. Session conflicts - If you logged in with your FSA ID on the same device your children are using DO NOT start over. That will only create duplicate applications which causes more problems. Here's what to do: - Wait at least 48 hours after parent submission - Have students use their own devices with fresh browser sessions - Make sure they're going directly to studentaid.gov (not through email links) - Verify they're using their own FSA IDs (not yours) - Check that their FSA IDs are fully verified (email and mobile confirmation completed) If all else fails, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243, but be prepared for long wait times.

my kid had same issue but it fixed itself after like 3 days lol. just wait it out maybe? the whole system is garbage this year

To address your follow-up question: Yes, unverified FSA IDs can absolutely prevent students from accessing their FAFSA portions. Each student MUST have their own unique email address - they cannot share one. The FSA ID system requires unique emails for security reasons. Have your son check his email (including spam folder) for a verification link from Federal Student Aid. If he can't find it, he can request a new verification email through the FSA ID portal. Until his FSA ID is fully verified (both email and mobile phone), he won't be able to access his FAFSA portion properly.

Just to clarify about deadlines - the FAFSA processing delay doesn't count against your submission deadline. As long as you submit the completed FAFSA by your school's priority deadline, you're fine. The system records your initial parent submission date as the starting timestamp. One other thing to check: make sure your students are using the correct website. For 2025-2026 FAFSA, they need to use studentaid.gov and click on "Complete the FAFSA Form" - not the old fafsa.ed.gov site that some school portals might still link to. Once everything is working, the student portions should take about 20-30 minutes each to complete if they have their tax info ready (if they filed) or their W-2s if they worked but didn't file taxes.

Based on the thread, it sounds like you're on the right track now! To summarize the solution: 1. Wait the full 48-72 hours for processing after parent contribution submission 2. Ensure both students have verified their FSA IDs (email and phone) 3. Have students use different devices than what you used for the parent portion 4. Clear browser cache/cookies before attempting login 5. Use studentaid.gov directly One additional tip: For the 2025-2026 FAFSA, the system calculates the Student Aid Index (SAI) which replaced the old EFC. This calculation happens after ALL portions are complete, so don't worry if you don't see an SAI number until everything is submitted. The SAI calculation can take an additional 3-5 business days after final submission. Good luck with finishing both applications!