FAFSA SSN Error: Can't update incorrect social security number on personal info page

Ugh, FAFSA website issues are the worst! 😫 I had a similar problem last year. Have you tried clearing your browser cache and cookies? Sometimes that helps with weird glitches.

I've been through this exact situation before, and let me tell you, it's a pain in the butt to fix. Here's what worked for me: 1. Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243. They're usually pretty helpful. 2. Explain the situation clearly and ask them to manually update your SSN in their system. 3. They might ask you to fax or mail in a copy of your Social Security card and a written request for the change. 4. Be patient! It can take a few days for the changes to reflect in the system. 5. Once they confirm the update, try logging in again and see if you can edit your info. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions.

have you tried turning it off and on again? 🤣

I found a method to get someone on the phone quickly. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video explaining it: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ

This is why we need better government systems. Its ridiculous that something as simple as updating your SSN can be such a hassle. 🤦‍♂️

Have you checked if your SSN is correct on your SAR (Student Aid Report)? Sometimes the error is there and not on the actual FAFSA form.

Oof, been there done that. FAFSA's website is about as reliable as my ex 🙄 Good luck OP!

PSA: Always double-check your info before submitting FAFSA. Fixing errors afterwards is a nightmare.

Hey, just wondering - did you recently get a new social security number? Sometimes that can cause issues with the system.

I had this exact same issue last semester! The SSN mismatch error is usually because there's a discrepancy between what you entered and what's in the Social Security Administration's database. A few things that might help while you're waiting to call: 1. Make sure you're entering your SSN exactly as it appears on your Social Security card (no dashes or spaces) 2. Double-check that your name on FAFSA matches your Social Security card exactly - even middle initials matter 3. If you've legally changed your name recently, you might need to update it with SSA first The phone route that @Ethan Clark suggested is definitely your best bet though. I also had to mail in documentation, but it was worth it to get everything sorted out. Don't panic - this is more common than you think and totally fixable! 💪

Adding to what others have mentioned - if you're still having trouble after calling the Federal Student Aid line, you might also want to contact your school's financial aid office directly. They often have direct lines to resolve FAFSA issues and can sometimes push through corrections faster than going through the general helpline. Also, make sure you have all your documents ready (Social Security card, driver's license, etc.) before you call - they'll likely ask you to verify your identity multiple ways. The whole process is annoying but definitely solvable! Keep us updated on how it goes! 🤞

I just went through this nightmare situation a few months ago! The SSN error is so frustrating because it feels like you're stuck in an endless loop. Here's what finally worked for me after trying everything else: First, definitely call that 1-800-433-3243 number that @Ethan Clark mentioned - but here's a pro tip: call right when they open at 8am EST. The wait times are much shorter in the morning. Second, when you do get through, ask them to do a "data match correction" - that's the specific term they use. They'll walk you through providing documentation, but it's usually just a clear photo of your Social Security card sent through their secure portal. The whole process took about a week for me, but once it was fixed, I could finally edit my FAFSA normally. Don't give up - this is totally fixable! Just remember to stay patient with the phone reps, they're actually pretty helpful once you get through to them. Good luck! 🍀