FAFSA account locked - wrong SSN by one digit and can't update it

omg this EXACT thing happened to my daughter last month!! We couldnt fix the ssn either. So frustrating!!!

This is a common issue with the FSA ID system. The problem is that the SSN is a primary identifier, so once it's in the system incorrectly, it creates conflicts when you try to create a new account with the correct SSN. The "Continue" button not working is actually a hidden validation error - the system recognizes the SSN conflict but doesn't properly display an error message. You need to do a formal SSN correction request. Call FSA's technical support line at 1-800-433-3243 and specifically ask for a "manual SSN correction on the existing FSA ID." They'll need to verify your son's identity through a series of questions and possibly some documentation. Once they've verified his identity, they can manually update the SSN in the system. This typically takes 3-5 business days to process. In the meantime, document everything. If your son's college deadline is in 3 weeks, contact the financial aid office directly and explain the situation. Most schools will grant an extension for technical FAFSA issues if you can document your attempts to resolve them.

I had a similar problem but with my name (put my nickname not legal name). When I called FSA I was on hold for like 2 HOURS before I finally gave up. Next day same thing. Their phone system is the absolute worst!! Is there seriously no way to just fix this online??

This happened to my brother and we had to start over completely with a paper FAFSA! But that was 2 years ago so maybe they fixed the system? The paper form took forever to process though, like almost 8 weeks. Definitely contact the financial aid office at the school because they can usually push through emergency processing if needed.

i don't understand why the fafsa website is SO BAD. like seriously they have ONE JOB. and they mess up every single year with some new technical issue. i put in my correct ssn and they somehow still managed to tell me it didn't match my social security records?? took 3 weeks to fix and almost missed my aid deadline. the whole system needs to be rebuilt from scratch tbh

Just to offer a different solution - have you tried using a completely different device? Sometimes the FAFSA site has weird compatibility issues with certain browsers or devices. My son had a similar problem where buttons wouldn't work on his laptop, but when we switched to my desktop computer (different OS entirely), it suddenly worked. Worth a shot before going through all the hassle of manual corrections!

Quick update/clarification on my earlier advice: When you call FSA tomorrow, make sure you specifically mention that you suspect there's an "SSN mismatch validation error" causing the continue button to be non-responsive. This is a known issue in their system. The tier 1 support staff might not be familiar with it, so ask to be escalated to tier 2 technical support if the first person you speak with isn't addressing the right problem. This will save you time and get you to someone who can actually help.

Maybe a silly question but did u try turning off your popup blocker? sometimes those security question forms open a popup window for verification and if your blocker is on it looks like nothing happens when u click continue. just a thought!

UPDATE: We got it fixed! For anyone who might have this issue in the future: We called FSA this morning, waited about an hour, and finally got through to someone. The first person couldn't help much but transferred us to a technical specialist. She confirmed it was indeed an SSN validation conflict as @helpful_advisor suggested. They had to fill out a manual correction form on their end, verify my son's identity (asked for his home address, date of birth, and some other info from his existing account), and she said it would take 3-5 business days to process. But here's the good part - she also put a note on his account about the college deadline and said she'd expedite the request! Also called the college financial aid office and they were super understanding. They granted a 2-week extension for his FAFSA submission due to the technical difficulties. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

So glad to hear you got this resolved! This is such a valuable thread for anyone dealing with FAFSA SSN issues. I had a similar problem last year with my daughter's account where we entered her middle initial incorrectly, and it created the same validation nightmare. Your step-by-step breakdown of the solution will definitely help other parents who find themselves in this frustrating situation. The key takeaway seems to be asking specifically for "manual SSN correction" and requesting tier 2 technical support if needed. Thanks for taking the time to update us all!

What a relief to read through this entire thread! I'm a high school guidance counselor and I see this exact FAFSA SSN issue come up with students every year - usually around this time when deadlines are approaching. The detailed solution you all worked through here is spot-on. I'm definitely going to reference this thread when helping families navigate similar problems. The key points about asking for "manual SSN correction," requesting tier 2 support, and contacting the college for deadline extensions are all excellent advice. Thanks for documenting the entire process so thoroughly - this will help countless families who run into the same frustrating situation!