FAFSA dashboard shows processed but can't find my -$1500 SAI score anymore

Don't worry, the FAFSA website can be confusing for everyone! When you see 'processed,' it means your FAFSA form has been successfully processed by Federal Student Aid. The -$1500 SAI (Student Aid Index) you saw initially is definitely good - negative numbers indicate higher financial need. To find your SAI now, click on 'View SAI and FAFSA Information' which should be under the 'You Are Here' section on your dashboard. The checklist you're seeing is likely showing next steps, which typically includes colleges receiving your information and them preparing aid packages. You don't need to do anything else with FAFSA right now unless they request verification.

i had literally the SAME problem last week, the website is so weirdly designed!! u have to go to menu > view your processed fafsa > click on the 2025-2026 application > student information > scroll all the way to the bottom. took me forever to find it!! 😫

The checklist is actually really important - it shows which schools have received your FAFSA data. Make sure all your schools are listed there. Sometimes you need to manually add schools if you didn't include them in your initial application. Also, check if any items say "Action Required" - that would mean you need to provide additional documentation. The -$1500 SAI score is good, but remember that each school will create their own financial aid package based on that score and their available funds.

Dont feel bad, I have TWO kids in college and STILL get confused by the fafsa website every single time. It's like they deliberately make it complicated lol

When I was trying to check my son's FAFSA status last month, I kept getting disconnected from the FSA phone line after waiting 45+ minutes each time. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that held my place in line and called me back when an agent was available. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ. The agent explained that the -$1500 SAI score disappears from the main dashboard after processing but is stored in the detailed application view (which is buried in the menus like someone mentioned). Super annoying design but at least I got answers!

Wait ur SAI is -$1500?? Mine is +$3890 is that bad?? I thought lower numbers were worse omg did I mess up my application?

Just a heads up - make sure you check the "Communication Center" section of your FAFSA account weekly. That's where they'll notify you if they need any verification documents. About 30% of FAFSA filers get selected for verification, and if you miss those notifications, your aid could be delayed. The most annoying part of the new FAFSA system is how they hide important information in different places. And congrats on the -$1500 SAI - that typically qualifies for maximum Pell Grant eligibility!

One more thing - now that your FAFSA is processed, you should start checking your actual college portals/accounts at each school. Many schools will post additional financial aid requirements there rather than through the FAFSA system. Some might require the CSS Profile in addition to FAFSA (mostly private colleges), and others might have institution-specific forms. Financial aid packages typically start coming out in March-April for the 2025-2026 year.