FAFSA application stuck because parent has no SSN - keeps getting returned as unsigned

this happened to me last year!! the parent account is probably still there but ur using wrong login info. try the 'forgot password' option but with the EXACT email you used when creating the account. also the parent without SSN needs to write 000-00-0000 in the SSN field when signing

I work in financial aid, and this is actually a common issue. When a parent doesn't have an SSN, they need to follow specific steps to create and maintain their FSA ID. Here's what you should do: 1. DO NOT create a new parent FSA ID. This will cause more problems. 2. For the existing account, try using the "Forgot Username" option first, not the password reset. Often the email exists but the username was entered incorrectly. 3. If that doesn't work, check if you're using the correct email address. Many parents have multiple email addresses and forget which one they used. 4. For parents without SSNs, they must enter 000-00-0000 in the SSN field AND have their name EXACTLY match what's on the FAFSA application (including accents, hyphens, etc.). 5. The system may require additional verification for non-SSN accounts, which can delay processing.

Unfortunately, there's no way to check what email was used without logging in. If you suspect a misspelled email was used, you might need to contact FSA directly to resolve this. Given the application was submitted in February, I strongly recommend speaking with a live agent rather than trying to guess the email.

FAFSA has been a COMPLETE NIGHTMARE this year!!!! My daughter's application has been returned THREE TIMES for different reasons and we can't get ANY help from anyone. The phone lines are ALWAYS busy and when you do get through they just disconnect you after being on hold for 45 minutes. This whole system is broken and they don't care that people's college futures are at stake!!!!

After dealing with similar FAFSA phone nightmares, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it actually worked for getting through to FSA agents. They have this system that holds your place in the phone queue and calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me hours of waiting and frustration with my son's complicated FAFSA situation. They have a video demo here if you want to see how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ

Another option to consider: have your son visit his college's financial aid office directly. They deal with these situations all the time and have direct lines to FSA that regular students don't have access to. They might be able to help troubleshoot the parent account issue or provide guidance on how to proceed with a paper signature for the non-SSN parent. Some schools even have special advisors who work specifically with families where parents don't have SSNs.

i think u might also be able to print the signature page and mail it in? like an actual paper signature? my cousin had to do this when her mom didn't have ssn and couldn't get the online thing to work. check the fafsa website for the mailing address. might take longer but better than nothing

Update: We finally got through to FSA! Used the Claimyr service mentioned above and it actually worked. The agent told us that because we tried too many incorrect login attempts, the parent account was locked. They were able to verify my husband's identity through other means (had to answer some security questions) and then helped us reset everything. They also explained that for parents without SSNs, there's a specific verification process they need to go through. The application is now processing correctly. Thank you all for your help!

My daughter had almost EXACTLY the same problem!! Except it was me (her mom) who doesn't have an SSN. The trick that finally worked for us was creating a brand new FSA ID for me and then calling to have them link it to her FAFSA. The agents can manually connect parent accounts to student FAFSAs if you get the right person who knows what they're doing. Glad you got it sorted!

As someone who went through a similar situation with my parent lacking an SSN, I wanted to add that it's really important to keep detailed records of all your attempts and communications. Screenshot any error messages you get, write down the dates and times you called, and if you do get through to an agent, ask for a reference number for your case. This documentation can be super helpful if you need to escalate the issue later or if different agents give you conflicting information. Also, some schools have specific deadlines for receiving completed FAFSAs to be considered for certain aid programs, so definitely check with your target schools about their priority deadlines while you're getting this sorted out.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now with my daughter's FAFSA! Her dad doesn't have an SSN either and we've been going in circles for weeks. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the account lockout issue or that there are specific verification processes for parents without SSNs. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service since we've been completely unable to get through to FSA on our own. Quick question though - when you finally got through to the agent, did they require any specific documentation to verify your husband's identity? I want to make sure I have everything ready before I attempt to call so we don't waste the opportunity if we do get connected.