FAFSA deadline PANIC - stuck on 'processing' screen, can't switch from 2023-24 to 2024-25 form
I'm freaking out!! Our family filled out the ENTIRE 2023-24 FAFSA form by mistake (ugh!), and now we're scrambling to complete the correct 2024-25 application before tomorrow's deadline. But when I try to open the new form, it just shows "processing" and I can't access ANYTHING. The parent contributor section says "Last Updated 04/12/2024" but it's completely frozen. My husband and daughter are also locked out - none of us can enter our tax information. The system keeps showing my daughter's name but won't let us proceed to enter any financial data! Is this normal when switching between application years? How long does this processing usually take?? We literally have HOURS before the priority deadline and I'm panicking that we'll miss out on thousands in aid because of a stupid technical glitch. Has anyone dealt with this before or know how to force it to open the correct form?
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Anita George
Ugh this exact thing happened to me and it's INSANE that the system is so rigid. Why can't they make this easier??? It took me like 3 days to get the processing screen to disappear. Something about their systems updating overnight. But you don't have 3 days 😬
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Austin Leonard
•3 DAYS??? We don't have 3 HOURS! This is beyond frustrating. Did you have to keep logging in and checking, or did they email you when it was ready?
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Abigail Spencer
This happens a lot actually. The processing state means your previous application data is being saved in their system. It can take anywhere from 2-48 hours to clear, depending on system traffic. Unfortunately, the FAFSA system doesn't allow concurrent applications, so you're locked until the previous one completes processing. A few things to try: 1. Clear your browser cache completely 2. Try logging in from a different device 3. Call the FSA help desk directly - processing can sometimes be manually expedited Keep in mind that while many schools list tomorrow as their "priority deadline," most will still accept FAFSA submissions a few days late with proper documentation of technical difficulties.
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Logan Chiang
•^^^ This is good advice. I work in financial aid at a university and we ALWAYS give students extra time when there are legitimate FAFSA submission issues. Just make sure to document everything - take screenshots of error screens and processing notices.
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Isla Fischer
when i had this problem i just created a new FSA ID for my son and started over completely. worked fine and we got his aid package. the system is so annoying!!!
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Abigail Spencer
•Creating a new FSA ID is not recommended and can actually cause significant problems. The system will flag duplicate IDs tied to the same SSN, and this often triggers verification which delays processing by weeks. It's better to work through the technical issue with the original ID.
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Miles Hammonds
Last year I had something similar happen but it was because we had a SAI verification flag on our account. Maybe check if there's any flags or issues with your previous application that need to be resolved first? The system sometimes won't let you start a new application until all previous ones are fully closed out.
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Austin Leonard
•How do I check for verification flags? I don't see anything like that on our account, just the processing screen. And we never even finished the previous application - we realized halfway through it was the wrong year! This whole system is a nightmare.
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Ruby Blake
I had this exact same issue last month and spent HOURS trying to get around that processing screen. After trying everything under the sun, I finally used Claimyr to get through to a FAFSA agent directly (claimyr.com). They have this service where they navigate the phone tree for you and get you connected to an actual human at FSA. The agent was able to manually close my previous application and reset my account so I could start the new one right away. Saved me days of stress. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ that shows how it works.
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Austin Leonard
•Thank you!! I'm checking this out right now. At this point I'll try anything to get this fixed before the deadline.
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Micah Franklin
Just a quick heads up - many schools have different priority deadlines, and some are later than others. Double-check with your daughter's specific schools about THEIR actual deadlines. It might not be as urgent as you think for all of them. I made this mistake too and stressed for nothing when some schools had May deadlines!
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Austin Leonard
•That's a good point. Her top choice school definitely has tomorrow as the cutoff for full consideration, but I'll check the others. Still need to get this fixed ASAP regardless.
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Abigail Spencer
One more suggestion: If the FAFSA form remains stuck in processing, document your attempts to submit on time. Take screenshots of error messages, record dates/times of your attempts, and prepare a brief explanation. Then, immediately contact the financial aid offices at your daughter's schools to explain the situation. Many schools have hardship provisions for technical difficulties with FAFSA submissions. Also, the FAFSA processing system typically updates overnight between 11pm-5am Eastern Time. Sometimes applications that have been "processing" all day will suddenly become available after this maintenance window.
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Austin Leonard
•Thank you so much. I just got off the phone with a FAFSA agent (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned - it actually worked!). They manually cleared our processing status and I can now access the correct 2024-25 form! We're going to stay up all night if needed to get this submitted. I really appreciate everyone's help!
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