FAFSA account creation issues for minor - 'continue' button not working & no support

I had this exact same issue last week with my daughter's account! What fixed it for us was using Microsoft Edge (not Chrome) in InPrivate mode AND turning off any browser extensions/add-ons. For some reason the FAFSA site is super picky about browser settings. We also had to manually type in the website address instead of clicking any links. It's ridiculous how technically broken their system is this year!

Try checking if the Java Script is enabled on your browser that might be causing the continue button to not work. Also make sure you're filling out every single field on the form even if it says optional.

I work at a college financial aid office, and unfortunately we're seeing this EXACT issue with many families this year. The FSA ID creation system is experiencing significant technical problems with the new system rollout. You're absolutely right to be frustrated. Here's what I recommend: 1. Try creating the account between 8-10pm EST when server traffic is lower 2. Make sure ALL form fields are completed, even optional ones 3. Use a simple password that meets requirements but doesn't have special characters 4. If possible, use a wired internet connection rather than WiFi Regarding the parent/student issue - this is sadly correct. Federal privacy laws (FERPA) restrict who can access student information, even for minors applying for federal aid. It's a catch-22 that frustrates everyone. If these solutions don't work, you can request a paper FSA ID by mail, which takes longer but bypasses the online system. Call 1-800-433-3243 and request this specifically.

Omg I had this SAME ISSUE!!! It made me want to throw my laptop out the window 😡 After like 2 weeks of trying I finally got it to work by using a completely different email address (made a new Gmail account) and for some reason THAT worked when nothing else did. No idea why but maybe try that???

FAFSA is the absolute worst. Been dealing with them for 3 kids now and it never gets better. The website is garbage, the customer service is worse, and they expect teenagers to somehow navigate it all perfectly. Then they wonder why so many eligible students don't apply for financial aid!

Have you tried checking if your son's Social Security Number is already associated with an existing FSA ID? Sometimes when parents help multiple children, they accidentally use the same email or phone number across accounts, which causes this exact problem. The system won't tell you that's the issue - the continue button just won't work. Also, make sure you're using the correct StudentAid.gov site and not one of the many scam lookalikes. The official URL should be https://studentaid.gov/

After spending WEEKS trying to contact someone at Federal Student Aid about a similar issue, I finally discovered Claimyr. It completely changed my experience - got me connected to an actual FSA agent in about 8 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. They basically hold your place in the phone queue and call you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration. Their video demo shows how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent I spoke with was able to manually verify my son's information and push through the account creation on their end. Might be worth trying if none of the browser fixes work. The website is claimyr.com

did u try using a different email adress? sometime school email addresses dont work with fafsa website. also check ur sons birthdate is entered right, my daughter kept typing it wrong and that causes problems too

UPDATE: For anyone having this issue, I found out from my daughter's college financial aid office that there's actually a KNOWN ISSUE with the continue button on the FSA ID creation page that they're supposedly working on fixing. Some people have had success by trying very specific steps: 1. Clear ALL browser data (not just cache) 2. Use incognito/private mode 3. Try at non-peak hours (early morning or late night) 4. Fill out the form in one sitting without pausing or navigating away 5. Make sure your address matches EXACTLY how USPS would format it Hope this helps someone! The system is a disaster this year.

I'm just starting to navigate this process for my younger brother and reading through all these responses is both helpful and terrifying! It's crazy that in 2025 we're still dealing with such basic technical issues on a government website that millions of students depend on. I'm bookmarking all these suggestions - the Microsoft Edge in InPrivate mode, trying late evening hours, using a simple password, and creating a new Gmail account seem like the most promising solutions. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and workarounds! @Amara Nnamani - I really hope one of these solutions works for you tonight. Please update us if you find success with any particular method!