Do we need new FAFSA IDs for 2025-2026 or can we use last year's FSA IDs?
My daughter and I both created FSA IDs last year for her freshman year application. With all the changes to the FAFSA this year, I'm confused about whether we need to create completely new FSA IDs for the 2025-2026 application or if we can just use our existing ones from last year? The new FAFSA form seems totally different, so I'm not sure if our old login credentials will work. Anyone know for sure? We're trying to get ahead of the October 1st opening and avoid any delays.
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Malik Thomas
You definitely use your existing FSA IDs! The FSA ID is tied to your identity (SSN, name, DOB), not to a specific application year. Even with the FAFSA Simplification Act changes, your FSA IDs remain the same. You would only need to create a new one if you forgot your credentials and couldn't recover them through the normal reset process.
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Emma Wilson
•Thank you! That's such a relief. I was worried we'd have to go through that whole verification process again.
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Isabella Oliveira
omg no don't make new ones!! it'll just complicate everything. i used mine for 4 yrs straight
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Ravi Kapoor
I actually made this mistake!! I thought the new FAFSA meant new IDs and ended up creating a new FSA ID for myself (parent). It caused so many problems!!! The system flagged it because my SSN was already linked to my original FSA ID. Took me WEEKS to sort out with FSA, and my daughter's application was delayed. DON'T DO IT!!!!
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Emma Wilson
•Oh wow, that sounds like a nightmare! Did you have to call them to fix it? I always have trouble getting through on their phone lines.
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Ravi Kapoor
•YES it was horrible trying to get anyone on the phone. I kept getting disconnected after waiting 2+ hours! I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ. It saved me so much frustration after days of failed attempts. The agent was able to deactivate my duplicate FSA ID and restore access to my original one.
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Freya Larsen
my daughter just started her sophomore year and we just used the same FSA IDs from last year. worked fine.
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GalacticGladiator
Just to add some clarification here - the FSA ID is permanent and stays with you throughout your education journey. It's essentially your digital signature for federal student aid purposes. Some important points to remember: 1. FSA IDs are tied to your Social Security Number 2. You can't create multiple valid FSA IDs with the same SSN 3. If you've forgotten your FSA ID username or password, use the "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password" functions 4. Parents with multiple students attending college will use the same FSA ID for all their children's FAFSA forms The FAFSA form itself changes yearly, but your identity credentials (FSA ID) remain constant.
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Omar Zaki
•What about if my daughter got married and changed her name since last year? Does she need a new FSA ID or just update the existing one?
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Chloe Taylor
i think everyone is right that you keep your FSA IDs but make sure they still WORK before october 1st!!! i tried logging in last week and realized my password expired and the email i had linked was one i dont use anymore so i had to go thru this whole process to recover everything. better to check now than when youre trying to submit your application!!
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Emma Wilson
•That's a really good point! I'm going to have my daughter and I both try logging in this weekend to make sure everything's still working. Smart to check well before the application opens.
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Isabella Oliveira
did u know u can use the FAFSA app on ur phone now? way easier than the website imo
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Diego Flores
•The app is actually being discontinued with the new FAFSA. Everything is moving to the studentaid.gov website with the redesigned form.
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Misterclamation Skyblue
Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this confusion last year! You absolutely keep your existing FSA IDs - they're like your permanent digital identity for all things federal student aid. The key thing to remember is that the FSA ID system and the FAFSA application are separate - even though the FAFSA form gets updated every year with new features and requirements, your login credentials stay the same. I've been using the same FSA ID since my oldest started college 3 years ago, and now I'm using it for my second child too. The only time you'd need a new one is if you completely lost access and couldn't recover it through the official channels.
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QuantumQuasar
•Thanks for sharing your experience! It's really helpful to hear from someone who's been through this with multiple kids. I was getting stressed thinking we'd have to start from scratch, but it sounds like once you have your FSA IDs set up, you're good to go for years. That makes the whole process seem much more manageable!
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