FAFSA 2025-26 processing delays - when should we expect our SAI score?

I'm in the same boat - applied 3 weeks ago and still nothing. From what I've heard, the Department of Education is saying 4-6 weeks processing time for the 2025-26 cycle, which is significantly longer than previous years. The system changes have really backed things up. My son's college financial aid office told me they're also experiencing delays in receiving the data after the FAFSA is processed. You might want to contact both schools and let them know about your situation - many are extending decision deadlines because of the FAFSA delays.

my daughter applied in mid-february and we just got her SAI score yesterday so it took almost 5 weeks which is insane!!! the worst part is we cant even access her fafsa record online, we had to wait for the email. the scores seem way different than last year too so im not sure how to compare.

The 2025-26 FAFSA processing is significantly delayed compared to previous years. I submitted applications for both my children in early February, and we received our first SAI score exactly 4 weeks later. The second one came 2 days after that. Here's what I learned from the process: 1. Current official processing time is 4-6 weeks minimum 2. If there are any verification flags on your application, add another 2-3 weeks 3. After FAFSA processes your application, it takes additional time for schools to receive and process the data 4. Many schools are adjusting their financial aid timelines accordingly I'd recommend contacting both schools' financial aid offices directly to explain your situation. Most are well aware of the FAFSA delays and have contingency plans for students waiting on aid packages. They may provide preliminary estimates or extend decision deadlines.

my cousin applied in january and still hasnt heard back lol so good luck with that 4-6 week timeframe. this whole new fafsa thing is a disaster imo

Financial aid advisor here. The 2025-26 FAFSA rollout has indeed created unprecedented delays in processing. While the Department of Education officially states 4-6 weeks for processing, we're seeing significant variation in actual timelines. A few important points to consider: 1. Applications with no flags or issues are generally processing in 3-5 weeks 2. Applications flagged for verification or with data inconsistencies can take 6-8 weeks 3. Schools typically need 1-3 additional weeks after receiving your FAFSA data to prepare aid packages Regarding your May decision deadline: Contact both financial aid offices immediately. Explain your situation and request either: - A preliminary aid estimate based on last year's information - An extension on your enrollment decision deadline due to FAFSA delays - Information about their appeals process if you need to make a decision before receiving official aid Many institutions are making accommodations this year given the widespread delays. Don't wait for the formal aid package if your decision deadline is approaching.

After trying for WEEKS to get through to the FSA helpline about our delayed application (we applied in January and it's still showing as processing), I found a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an agent in less than 15 minutes! The agent confirmed our application is stuck in verification but at least now we know what's happening. Check out their demo video if you're struggling to get through: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ or visit claimyr.com

I recommend contacting both schools immediately to explain your situation. My daughter was in a similar position last month - had to choose between schools but FAFSA was still processing after 5 weeks. Both schools gave her an extension on the enrollment deposit deadline AND provided estimated aid packages based on our tax information. One school even offered to help us appeal if the official aid package came in lower than expected. Most financial aid offices are being very flexible this year because they know the FAFSA delays aren't your fault.

just be prepared for your SAI to be totally different from last years EFC!!!! ours went up by like $8000 even though our income barely changed its so unfair

Update on my situation: After waiting 4 weeks with no update, I finally received our SAI this morning. The processing time seems to be pretty consistent with what others are reporting. Now I'm just waiting for the colleges to receive the information and prepare aid packages.

I'm in a very similar situation - submitted my FAFSA about 3 weeks ago and still waiting. My daughter also has a May 1st decision deadline between two schools, and one would require significant loans if we don't get enough aid. Based on what everyone is sharing here, it sounds like I should definitely contact both financial aid offices this week to explain the situation and ask for either preliminary estimates or deadline extensions. It's frustrating that we're all dealing with these delays when the timing is so critical for college decisions. Has anyone had success getting schools to provide rough estimates based on tax information while waiting for the official SAI?

I submitted my FAFSA in late February and just got my SAI score yesterday after exactly 5 weeks of waiting. The processing time seems to be pretty consistent with what others are reporting - definitely in that 4-6 week range. One thing I learned is to check your online account regularly even if you haven't received an email notification, because sometimes the information shows up there first. For those of you with May deadlines, I'd definitely echo what others have said about contacting the financial aid offices immediately. When I called my daughter's top choice school last week to explain our situation, they were incredibly understanding and offered to provide a preliminary estimate while we waited. They said they're dealing with this exact situation with hundreds of families this year, so they have processes in place to help. Don't feel bad about reaching out - they expect these calls right now!