Do I need to create a new FAFSA parent application for 2025-26 or just update the previous one?

You'll need to complete a new FAFSA application each academic year, but you won't need a new FSA ID. You and your daughter will use the same FSA IDs you created for the 2024-2025 FAFSA. When you log in for the 2025-2026 application (which opens in December 2024), there will be an option to 'renew' your FAFSA which pre-fills some info from your previous application. This saves time, but you'll still need to update income information and verify all the details are correct. Make sure you're using the correct year's form - it's easy to accidentally select the wrong academic year!

Its not dumb at all!! I was sooo confused my kids first yr too! You gotta do a new FAFSA every yr but u keep the same login stuff. They have a renewal button that makes it way faster cuz it keeps some info from last time. But yeah u still gotta put in the new tax stuff every time. Its annoying but gets easier after the first time i promise!!

To add some important details: The 2025-2026 FAFSA will open on December 1, 2024. You'll use your existing FSA ID, but there are some significant changes to be aware of. The new FAFSA uses a different formula called the Student Aid Index (SAI) instead of the old Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Also, they've reduced the number of questions, but you'll still need your 2023 tax information ready. One tip: set a calendar reminder for early December. Many schools have priority deadlines for financial aid, and submitting early can sometimes help with getting the maximum aid package. Each school has different priority deadlines, so check with your daughter's financial aid office.

I just went thru this with my son who's a sophomore. YES you need to do it every year and its sooooo annoying. Last year I waited too late and we almost missed out on some aid. Don't be like me lol

I've been helping families navigate FAFSA for years, and this is one of the most common questions. To clarify: 1. You'll complete a new FAFSA application each year, but use your existing FSA ID 2. The FAFSA for 2025-2026 opens December 1, 2024 3. You'll need your 2023 tax information (they always use tax info from two years prior) 4. There's a renewal option that will transfer some basic information 5. You must verify every answer, even pre-filled ones And yes, the 2025-2026 FAFSA continues using the SAI model introduced in the 2024-2025 form. If you're struggling to get through to the Federal Student Aid helpline for specific questions (they're notoriously difficult to reach), I recommend using Claimyr.com. It's a service that holds your place in the phone queue and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of waiting on hold. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ that shows how it works.

Wait do we HAVE to use 2023 tax info?? My husband got laid off in 2024 so our 2023 taxes show way higher income than what we actually have now. That doesn't seem fair at all!

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'm marking December 1st on my calendar and will look for the renewal option. It's good to know I keep my FSA ID but still need to file a new application. And I appreciate the tips about filing early for priority deadlines and using the Professional Judgment process if our financial situation changes. This has been really helpful!

Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - when you do fill out the 2025-2026 FAFSA in December, make sure you're on the official studentaid.gov website. There are a lot of scam sites that charge fees for "help" with FAFSA when the real application is completely free. I almost fell for one of those sites my first time around! Also, if you run into technical issues (which unfortunately happen pretty often with the FAFSA website), don't panic - just try again later or early in the morning when there's less traffic on the site.