FAFSA SSA mismatch error due to middle initial period - can't complete parent portion

I had the exact same problem last month with my son's FAFSA! The SSA verification is super picky about formatting. What worked for me was entering my name EXACTLY as it appears on my social security card - letter for letter, period for period. If your SS card shows "J." then use that, if it shows just "J" then use that. When that didn't work, I had to request a verification override by submitting additional documentation. Go to the "Get Help" section on studentaid.gov and look for the verification override option.

same thing happend to me but it was my LAST name that had a hyphen in SSA but not on my drivers license. so annoying!!!

The SSA verification system for FAFSA is frustratingly rigid. I work in a college financial aid office, and we see this problem regularly. Here are your best options: 1. Try entering your name with NO middle initial at all (some have had success with this) 2. Use the "Special Circumstances" form to request a verification override 3. Visit your local FSA office in person with your ID and social security card Whichever route you take, document everything. Take screenshots of the errors and save confirmation numbers. The 2025-2026 FAFSA has been particularly buggy with these verification issues since the system redesign.

Have u tried using a different browser? Sometimes the FAFSA site acts weird on Chrome but works on Firefox or the other way around. Just a thought.

I experienced this exact issue when helping my nephew with his FAFSA. After multiple failed attempts and hours of frustration, I found that using Claimyr (claimyr.com) got me connected to an actual FSA agent in under 30 minutes who manually verified my identity and overrode the system error. Their agents can see both what's in the SSA database and what you're entering, so they can spot the discrepancy immediately. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ If you're under a deadline, this is definitely the fastest route. The regular FAFSA phone line had me on hold for 3+ hours before disconnecting me.

The FAFSA-SSA verification system is notoriously problematic this application cycle. I've been documenting these issues for our school's financial aid office. According to FSA guidance, these are the exact steps to follow for name mismatches: 1. First, try entering your name EXACTLY as it appears on your Social Security card 2. If that fails, try without the middle initial/name entirely 3. If both fail, you need to submit Form FSA-ID-02 (Identity Resolution Request) The form requires you to upload a copy of your Social Security card and government ID. Processing time is currently running 3-5 business days. Since you're approaching a deadline, I recommend calling FSA directly and requesting an application extension based on the verification issue.

This FAFSA update is SUCH A NIGHTMARE!!!! My daughter lost her potential scholarship because we couldn't get past this EXACT ISSUE by the priority deadline. We eventually had to go IN PERSON to the Social Security office to get a printout of my official record and then upload it to the FAFSA site through the help section. Took almost 2 weeks to resolve. I'm still furious about it. The whole system is broken.

Quick update for you - I just remembered that my friend had this EXACT issue and he fixed it by entering his FULL middle name instead of just the initial. Even though his SS card only showed the initial, the full name worked for verification. Might be worth a try!

Just to add some clarity about the timeline: if you need to submit the Identity Resolution Request form, make sure you follow up by phone after 3 business days if you haven't heard back. Current processing time metrics from FSA show 84% of these requests are completed within 5 business days, but that still means 16% take longer. Given your deadline concerns, you should request a priority review based on your daughter's aid deadline. Be prepared to provide the deadline date and the school's federal code.