FAFSA FSA ID confusion - need separate IDs for each child in college?

You'll need a separate FSA ID for each student, but you (as the parent) only need one FSA ID that you'll use for both children's FAFSA applications. Each FSA ID is tied to a unique Social Security Number, so you can't share them between people. Your existing parent FSA ID will work fine for your second child's application - no need to create another one for yourself. Just make sure your second child creates their own FSA ID before starting their application.

both ur kids need there own fsa id and you need urs too. its confusing but just think of it like each PERSON needs 1 id not each application. they need it to sign the form electronically

The FSA ID system is SUCH A NIGHTMARE!!! I went through this last year with twins and it was a complete disaster. The website kept crashing, then one of my kids couldn't get verified for WEEKS. Then they lost my husband's information completely and we had to start over! Make sure you do this AT LEAST a month before you need to submit anything. The whole system is designed to make people give up, I swear.

When I went through this with my kids (3 in college at one point!), I found that calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center was the fastest way to resolve FSA ID issues. Regular phone lines have insane wait times, but I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that held my place in line and called me back when an agent was available. Saved hours of hold time! They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ But yes, to answer your question: each person (each student and each contributing parent) needs their own FSA ID. You'll use your existing parent ID for both children's applications.

My daughter just started college this year and I went through this whole process. One thing nobody mentioned - make sure you AND your child both remember your FSA ID passwords and the answers to your security questions! We had to reset my daughter's and it was a huge hassle because she couldn't remember her security answers.

Here's a clear breakdown of the FSA ID situation: 1. Each PERSON needs exactly one FSA ID (tied to their SSN) 2. Parents keep the same FSA ID for all children's FAFSAs 3. Each student needs their own unique FSA ID 4. Both student and at least one contributor parent must have an FSA ID to sign the FAFSA 5. The new FAFSA (2024-2025 and beyond) requires FSA IDs for all contributors I recommend creating any new FSA IDs at least a week before you plan to submit the FAFSA. While some IDs are verified instantly, others may take 1-3 days if there are any mismatches with Social Security Administration records. Also, for the 2024-2025 FAFSA and beyond, make sure all contributors (including non-custodial parents in some cases) have their own FSA IDs, as the new system requires all contributors to provide consent through their own FSA ID login.

Your FSA ID doesn't expire, but the password needs to be changed every 18 months. You'll get email reminders when it's time to update your password. As long as you keep your password current, your FSA ID remains valid indefinitely. One more tip: The 2024-2025 FAFSA form introduced major changes to the entire system. If you completed your first child's FAFSA before January 2024, you'll find the new system quite different. The good news is it's generally more streamlined now, with fewer questions overall.

last year i had problems with my fsa id cuz my name in the system didnt match exactly with social security (i had a hyphenated last name but social security had it without the hyphen). it took FOREVER to fix it so double check all that stuff before you start!!