FAFSA confusion - completed student section but can't access parent contribution section

are u using the right login? parents need their own FSA ID not the student one. my wife had same prob last week

The new 2025-2026 FAFSA requires every contributor (parent or spouse) to have their own FSA ID linked to their own email address and phone number. It sounds like you're currently logged in using your daughter's FSA ID, which is why it keeps directing you back to student information. You need to: 1. Create your own FSA ID at studentaid.gov/fsa-id 2. Wait for your info to be verified (can take 1-3 days) 3. Your daughter needs to add you as a contributor in her FAFSA application 4. You'll receive an email invitation to complete your section This change was made to improve security, but it's definitely confusing many parents!

i had the EXACT same problem!!! so annoying. they changed everything this year and didn't explain it to anyone. took me like a week to figure out the parent part.

Just to clarify the process a bit further since there's some confusion: 1. Both student and each contributing parent need separate FSA IDs 2. Your daughter initiates the FAFSA application with her FSA ID 3. During her application, she'll be prompted to add contributing parents 4. She'll need your email address and full legal name to add you 5. You'll receive an email invitation to complete the parent portion 6. Using your FSA ID, you'll access only your section to complete The FSA ID verification typically takes 1-3 days but can sometimes process within hours if your information matches exactly with Social Security records. The entire system changed for 2025-2026 applications, and you're definitely not alone in your frustration!

I had this same problem and kept trying to call Federal Student Aid but was on hold FOREVER. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual person at FSA. They have this service that holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me hours of waiting on hold! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent explained that with the new FAFSA, everyone needs their own FSA ID, and your daughter has to specifically invite you through the system. The agent walked me through the whole process in about 10 minutes.

Everyone keeps saying "create your own FSA ID" but NO ONE is explaining that after u make it you still can't just log in and see your kid's form!!!!! Your STUDENT has to ADD YOU as a contributor from THEIR account FIRST and then they can send you an invite. So many steps and it's ridiculous!!!!! I wasted an entire weekend trying to figure this out and the government website is SO BADLY DESIGNED!!!!

Just checking back - were you able to create your FSA ID and get the process started? One thing that helps speed up verification is making absolutely sure your name, DOB, and SSN match exactly what's on your Social Security card. Even a small mismatch can delay the verification process.

Pro tip for anyone else reading this thread: if you're a parent filling out FAFSA in the future, create your FSA ID well BEFORE you plan to start the application process. The verification delay catches many families by surprise, especially when approaching deadlines. Also, for the 2025-2026 FAFSA, remember that the SAI (Student Aid Index) has replaced the old EFC (Expected Family Contribution), and the calculation methods have changed significantly. Many families are seeing different aid amounts than expected because of these formula changes.