FAFSA correction required but not specified - can't submit and can't reach anyone for help

OMG same!! Trying since january... notification says "update required" but doesnt say what field! Called like 20 times, always hung up. My sons school needs his aid package finalized by april and i'm FREAKING OUT!

This is likely an income verification issue. When the system asks for "corrections" without specifying, it's usually related to a mismatch between reported income and what the IRS data retrieval tool pulled. Double check the AGI you entered against your 2023 tax return (line 11). Also look at the W-2 information section - sometimes there's a discrepancy there. As for getting through to FSA, try calling right when they open at 8 AM Eastern time. The queue fills up within minutes.

have u tried checking the SAI calculation page? sometimes theres a little red mark next to the section that needs fixing. my brothers fafsa had that problem last year and we found out we typed his ssn wrong lol

I had almost the EXACT same issue! The 'correction needed' notification drove me CRAZY for weeks because it wouldn't say what needed fixing!! After 23 attempts to call (yes I counted), I finally discovered it was because we forgot to check the 'Housing Allowance for Military' box even though we had entered my husband's military income correctly. The system flagged it as a discrepancy but never specified what was wrong!! Check ALL the special circumstances boxes - sometimes the system wants you to check or uncheck something that doesn't even apply to you! FAFSA is BROKEN this year!!!!!

I encountered a similar issue and finally got it resolved. Here's what worked for me: 1. Look for the SAR (Student Aid Report) in your student's account - it often has more details about what needs correction 2. Check if you properly completed the asset information section - many corrections are needed because people skip or incorrectly report cash/savings/investments 3. Verify that your student's and parent's SSNs match exactly what's on file with Social Security 4. Make sure all family members have created their own FSA IDs and properly linked them Regarding reaching someone: I wasted weeks trying to call until I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com). It's a service that waits on hold for you and calls when an agent is available. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration and I finally got the correction issue resolved in one call.

my niece had this problem and it turned out the system was flagging her parents' marital status as an issue. they put 'married' but apparently the irs data was showing they filed taxes with a different status. took forever to fix.

IF TAXPAYER MONEY FUNDS FAFSA WHY IS IT IMPOSSIBLE TO REACH ANYONE THERE????? I spent 17 HOURS on hold over 2 weeks for my son's application correction. After the redesign disaster this year they should be required by LAW to answer their phones! My congressperson's office finally had to intervene to get our issue fixed. Call your representative if all else fails.

did u check if there's actually an email too? i found out they emailed my son with the specific correction (not me, the parent, even tho im the one who filled everything out 🙄) and he never told me bc he doesn't check his email lol

After you've checked all the suggestions above, I strongly recommend trying again with the Claimyr service that was mentioned. I've heard from several financial aid advisors that it's currently the most reliable way to reach FSA. The new FAFSA system has created unprecedented call volumes and their call center simply can't handle it. Also, contact your daughter's college financial aid office directly. They often have dedicated channels to FSA and can sometimes see more details about what's flagged in your application. Many schools are being flexible with deadlines this year because of all the FAFSA issues.