FAFSA 2024-2025 system error prevents completion - anyone else locked out?
Losing my mind trying to complete my 2024-2025 FAFSA application! I'm starting at UC Berkeley in January 2025 (transfer student) and NEED to get this filed ASAP. For the past 3 days, I keep getting to the Demographics/Financials section, and then boom - "Unable to Complete This Action" error message. The system tells me to exit and try again, which I've done like 20+ times now. I've tried different browsers, cleared cache, even used my roommate's laptop. Nothing works! Called the help number twice but got disconnected after 45+ minutes of waiting. Anyone else experiencing this, or is it just my terrible luck? I'm worried about missing priority deadlines for spring admission. Screenshot of error attached.
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Evelyn Xu
yep i got the exact same error yesterday! tried again 2day and still getting it. think the whole system must be down again 🙄
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Sophia Russo
•Ugh, that's both frustrating and relieving to hear I'm not alone. Did you try calling them? I'm wondering if there's an official acknowledgment of the system issues anywhere.
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Dominic Green
The FAFSA system has been experiencing intermittent outages since they launched the new simplified form. I'm a financial aid advisor at a community college, and we've seen this specific error happen when the system is overloaded. It typically resolves within 24-48 hours, but that doesn't help when you're up against deadlines. A few suggestions: 1. Try accessing between 11pm-6am EST when traffic is lowest 2. Make sure you've saved your progress at each step 3. Have all your documents ready so you can complete it quickly when the system works 4. Check the FSA social media accounts for announcements about outages
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Sophia Russo
•Thank you SO much for this information! I'll definitely try the late-night approach tonight. I didn't even think about timing it when fewer people might be using the system. Do you know if these outages might impact my application being processed in time? My school's priority deadline is Oct 15th.
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Dominic Green
•The Oct 15 priority deadline should still give you enough cushion, but don't wait until the last minute. Once you submit, the processing time is separate from these input issues. Your SAI calculation typically takes 3-5 business days when the system isn't backlogged.
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Hannah Flores
OMG I HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM!!! Spent literally HOURS trying to get past the demographics section! So angry right now. Why can't they make a system that actually WORKS?? This is my future on the line!!!!!
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Kayla Jacobson
•same happened to my daughter. she was crying because she thought she did something wrong. these govt websites always breaking down when u need them most smh
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William Rivera
I've been dealing with this exact issue for the past week. What finally worked for me was using the FAFSA mobile app instead of the website. For some reason, I was able to get past that section on the app when the website kept giving me the error. Worth a try if you haven't already!
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Sophia Russo
•I didn't even know there was a mobile app! Going to download it right now and try that approach. Thank you so much for the suggestion!
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Grace Lee
•the mobile app worked for me too, but it still took like 3 tries. better than the website tho which just kept freezing on the financial section
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Mia Roberts
If you need to speak with a FAFSA representative directly about this error, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was stuck in the same situation last month and spent days trying to get through the normal FAFSA phone lines. Claimyr got me connected to an actual FAFSA agent in about 15 minutes who confirmed there was a system issue and added notes to my account. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ - definitely worth it when you're up against deadlines.
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Sophia Russo
•Thanks for the suggestion! At this point I'll try anything. Did the agent actually help resolve your error or just acknowledge the system issues?
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Mia Roberts
•The agent couldn't fix the system error, but they noted my account so when I was finally able to submit, my application was backdated to my original attempt date. This was important for some school-specific deadlines. They also gave me a direct number to call back if I had issues after the system came back online.
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Evelyn Xu
•is this legit? seems weird to use a service just to talk to fafsa people...
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Mia Roberts
•Yeah it's legitimate - they basically just hold your place in line so you don't have to stay on hold forever. I was skeptical too but was desperate after waiting on hold for hours.
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Kayla Jacobson
have u tried going back and starting completely over? sometimes the saved info gets corrupted. my son had to delete everything and start from scratch but then it worked
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Sophia Russo
•I haven't tried that yet because I was afraid of losing all the information I've already entered. But at this point, I'm desperate enough to try anything. Did your son lose all his saved information when he started over?
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Grace Lee
this happens EVERY SINGLE YEAR with fafsa...they never learn. tried calling the help line? lol good luck with that waste of time
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Hannah Flores
•I KNOW RIGHT??? Why do we have to jump through all these hoops just to get financial aid? It's like they don't WANT us to go to college! So frustrating!!!!!
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Dominic Green
UPDATE: The Federal Student Aid office just posted on Twitter/X that they're aware of the issue and working on a fix. They estimate systems will be fully operational within 24 hours. If you're concerned about deadlines, they recommend documenting your attempts (screenshots of errors) and contacting your school's financial aid office to explain the situation. Most schools will accommodate if the delays are due to documented FAFSA system issues.
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Sophia Russo
•Thank you for the update! Just took some screenshots of my errors for documentation. Will email my financial aid office today to make them aware of my situation.
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