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Paolo Ricci

FAFSA 2025-2026 spouse information section glitching - can't save or proceed

Has anyone else been unable to enter spouse information on the new FAFSA? I'm trying to complete our 2025-2026 application and whenever I get to the spouse section, the page freezes or doesn't save my entries. I've tried 3 different browsers (Chrome, Firefox, and Edge) and get the same problem. I can enter all my own info fine, but as soon as I try adding my husband's SSN and income information, nothing saves and I can't proceed past this section. Been stuck for 4 days and my daughter's college priority deadline is coming up fast. Called the support line twice but got disconnected both times after 45+ minute waits. Any solutions??

Amina Toure

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happening to alot of people rn. its a glitch with their system. my sister had same problem last week.

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Paolo Ricci

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Thanks for letting me know I'm not alone! Did your sister ever figure out how to get past it? I'm getting worried because my daughter's school has a Feb 15 priority deadline.

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I experienced this exact issue! The spouse information section has been problematic since they updated the system. Here's what worked for me: 1. Clear your browser cache completely 2. Try accessing the FAFSA form early morning (like 5-6am) or late night when server traffic is lower 3. Make sure you're entering the SSN without dashes 4. If that doesn't work, try the mobile app instead of the browser version After trying for almost a week, the early morning method finally worked. The servers seem less bogged down then.

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Paolo Ricci

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Thank you so much for these tips! I'll try the early morning thing tomorrow. I did already try clearing cache and the no-dashes for SSN but hadn't thought about server traffic times. Fingers crossed this works!

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same here but different section... its the parent contribution part for me... sooooo frustrating!!!! been trying for TWO WEEKS!!!!! 😡 the whole system is garbage this year

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The parent contributor section is definitely another trouble spot. Have you tried using the "Save and return later" function between each page? Some users report this helps prevent the system from getting overwhelmed with too much data at once.

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Javier Torres

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I work at a college financial aid office, and we've been hearing about this issue frequently with the 2025-2026 FAFSA. The spouse information section has a known bug that the Department of Education is working to fix. A few workarounds we've been suggesting to students: 1. Try completing the form in one continuous session without saving and returning 2. Use the FAFSA mobile app instead of the website 3. If possible, try using a completely different device 4. Check that your spouse's information exactly matches what's on their Social Security card and tax returns In about 60% of cases, one of these solutions works. For the rest, unfortunately, you may need to keep trying to reach FSA by phone for manual override assistance.

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Paolo Ricci

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Thanks for the inside info! I've tried #1 and #4 already but will download the mobile app tonight. Really appreciate knowing what's worked for other people in my situation.

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Emma Davis

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I had a similar problem but it was with my W-2 information not saving, not the spouse part. Have you checked if you're using any browser extensions? I found out my ad blocker was causing issues with the FAFSA site. Turned it off and everything worked fine after that.

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Paolo Ricci

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I do have ad blockers! I'll definitely try disabling them. Thank you for the suggestion!

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CosmicCaptain

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After dealing with the EXACT same spouse information glitch for days, I finally got through to an actual FSA agent using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have this service that holds your place in the FSA phone queue and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me from endless hold music and disconnections! The agent was able to verify my spouse's information on their end and manually push my application through that section. They even have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ Worth it for the time saved and stress reduction.

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Paolo Ricci

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That sounds like exactly what I need! I'm so tired of being disconnected after waiting forever. I'll check it out tonight if the mobile app doesn't work. Thanks!

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does this actually work? seems sketchy to me but if it gets someone on the phone i might try it

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CosmicCaptain

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It worked for me! Nothing sketchy about it - they just hold your place in line and call you when it's your turn instead of you having to stay on hold. The FSA agent I talked to was super helpful with the spouse section issue.

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Malik Johnson

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This is a confirmed bug in the 2025-2026 FAFSA that's affecting married applicants. The FSA has acknowledged the issue and is working on a fix, but haven't provided a specific timeline. Some important information: - The spouse information section bug appears most frequently when there's a significant difference between the applicant's and spouse's income - Some schools are extending their priority deadlines because of these known FAFSA issues - If you can reach FSA support, they can place a note on your file about the technical difficulties - Some applicants have had success completing this section between 1-5am Eastern Time when system usage is lowest I'd recommend contacting your daughter's school financial aid office directly to inform them of the technical issues you're experiencing. Many schools are making accommodations given the widespread FAFSA problems this year.

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Paolo Ricci

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Thank you for the detailed information! My husband does earn significantly more than I do, so that might be triggering the bug. I'll definitely contact my daughter's school tomorrow to let them know about the situation.

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Anyone else notice how EVERY YEAR there's some new "glitch" with FAFSA? Last year it was the SAI calculation being wrong, year before was the parent login issues. I'm convinced they do this on purpose to discourage people from applying for aid. The whole system needs to be scrapped and rebuilt from the ground up. They had 18 MONTHS to prepare for this rollout and still messed it up. SMH.

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Amina Toure

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facts. my mom gave up trying to help with my fafsa last year cuz of all the tech problems. ended up taking out extra loans smh

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Javier Torres

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While I understand the frustration, I can assure you the Department of Education doesn't create these issues intentionally. The 2025-2026 FAFSA includes significant changes to the needs analysis formula and user interface, which unfortunately has led to these technical challenges. They're actively working to resolve them.

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Paolo Ricci

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UPDATE: I finally got it working! Combination of three things worked for me: 1. Using the mobile app instead of browser 2. Doing it at 5:30am when server load was low 3. Entering income information in smaller chunks instead of all at once Thanks everyone for your help! For anyone else facing this issue, definitely try the mobile app and early morning approach. And contact your school's financial aid office to let them know about the technical difficulties - mine was very understanding and said they're giving flexibility on deadlines because of all the FAFSA issues this year.

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Great to hear you got it working! Thanks for coming back to share what worked - this will definitely help others facing the same spouse information glitch.

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congrats! gonna try the mobile app tomorrow morning

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