Confused about FAFSA signature glitch and SAI vs EFC calculations for sophomore year

The signature thing happened to me too! Had to clear my cache and wait 24 hrs before it finally worked. So annoying. As for SAI vs EFC, they're basically the same concept but calculated differently. Higher SAI does usually mean less aid, unfortunately. The formula changed and a lot of people are seeing their numbers go up even though their finances stayed the same. Did your son qualify for any grants with the old EFC?

The signature glitch is a known issue with the new FAFSA system. Here's what worked for me: log out completely, restart your browser, and try again using a different browser (Firefox worked when Chrome failed for me). Regarding SAI vs EFC: While they serve the same purpose, they're calculated differently. The SAI replaced EFC in the 2024-2025 FAFSA as part of the FAFSA Simplification Act. Here are the key differences: 1) SAI can go as low as -$1,500 (negative) while EFC couldn't go below $0 2) SAI uses different income protection allowances and assessment rates 3) The formula for multiple students in college changed significantly A $2,550 increase isn't unusual in the transition. For Pell Grant eligibility, the max Pell Grant for 2025-2026 will go to students with SAI of -$1,500 to $0, with partial grants available up to approximately $6,500 SAI.

I've been dealing with this FAFSA nightmare for weeks!!! The signature glitch is just ONE of like 20 problems with the new system. I had to call them 6 times before someone could help me. EACH TIME I waited over 2 hours only to get disconnected. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through - they called and waited on hold for me then connected me when an agent was available. Saved me hours of frustration! There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent explained that the SAI calculations are completely different and most people are seeing increases even without income changes. Just another way they're giving families LESS aid while pretending to "simplify" the process. 🙄

MY EFC WAS 6K AND NEW SAI IS 9500!!!! MAKES NO SENSE!!! My income only went up like 2%. This whole system is such a scam designed to give less aid while claiming to be "simplified" 😡 I'm trying to figure out if I can appeal this or something because my son might lose his institutional grants with this new higher number.

To answer the question about the "better of two calculations" - that's partially true but misunderstood. The Better of Both (BOB) calculation was specifically for the 2023-2024 aid year as a transition measure. For 2025-2026, we're fully on the SAI system with no fallback to EFC calculations. The good news for the original poster is that with a previous EFC of $8,200 that qualified for some Pell Grant, even with the new SAI of $10,750, your son should still qualify for some Pell Grant funding in 2025-2026, though it will likely be reduced from the previous $3,800. The 2025-2026 Pell eligibility is expected to extend up to approximately $7,000-$7,500 SAI for minimum grants, though final numbers haven't been published yet. I recommend checking with your financial aid office directly once you submit the FAFSA.

the signature glitch is so annoying!!! i tried like 10 times and kept getting errors. what finally worked was using my phone instead of computer...weird but maybe try that? and ya the SAI is confusing af...my daughter's went up like $4k from her EFC last year with literally no changes to our finances 🤷‍♀️

@profile5 - Definitely appeal based on those medical expenses! That's exactly the kind of situation where an appeal can help. Most schools have a threshold of medical expenses exceeding 11% of your Adjusted Gross Income to consider them "extraordinary" - so if your AGI is under about $85K, those expenses should qualify. Make sure to submit documentation from your insurance showing they weren't covered.

For those struggling with the signature glitch, here's the technical explanation: The new FAFSA system has enhanced security protocols that sometimes conflict with browser cache data or certain browser security settings. Troubleshooting steps in order of effectiveness: 1. Clear browser cache and cookies 2. Try a different browser (Firefox and Edge seem most compatible) 3. Try a mobile device (uses different verification protocols) 4. Wait 24 hours for system reset (if it's a server-side issue) 5. Create a new email address and re-register your FSA ID (extreme cases) Regarding the SAI concerns - the shift from EFC to SAI was intended to better reflect actual ability to pay, but the implementation has been rocky. The key thing to understand is that while the numbers have changed, how schools use them is also adjusting. Many institutions are recalibrating their institutional aid formulas to account for the general increase in SAI figures.

@profile5 Did you end up resolving the issues? I'm curious if the cache clearing worked for the signature problem. And definitely pursue that appeal for the medical expenses - my sister got her SAI reduced by almost $3K last year for similar reasons.