FAFSA denying my application - social security/DOB mismatch even after SSA verification

I had this exact issue last semester. The problem was actually that my name in the SSA database had my middle name, but my FAFSA application only had my first and last name. Check if there are ANY differences between your official SSA records and what you entered in your FAFSA - even small things like a hyphen in a last name or a Jr./Sr. suffix. Also, make sure your citizenship status matches between SSA and FAFSA. Even if you're a citizen, if the wrong box was checked somewhere, it can cause this error.

omg i had this happen 2 me also!!!! took FOREVER to fix. ended up being that my birthday was entered as 02/06 instead of 06/02 on the actual application. i swear i put it in right but somehow it got flipped. double check ur actual application not just what u think u entered

This is a known issue with the new 2025-2026 FAFSA system. The problem is that FSA implemented stricter database matching with the Social Security Administration this year. Based on my experience as a financial aid counselor, here are the common mismatches that trigger this error: 1. Name formatting discrepancies (hyphens, spaces in last names) 2. Middle names or initials missing/included inconsistently 3. Recent name changes not updated in both systems 4. Citizenship status mismatches 5. Date format issues (as someone mentioned above) If you've already verified with SSA and submitted documentation, you need to escalate this to a higher level at FSA. The regular processing team often just rejects without investigation.

The samething happened to my daughter!!! They kept denying her and saying her social didn't match her name but we triple checked everything. Took me 12 calls to finally talk to someone at FSA who could help. The regular reps just kept telling us to resubmit.

When this happened to me, it turned out there was an issue with how my SSN was entered in my high school records that carried over to the FAFSA system. Try calling the FSA directly at 1-800-433-3243 and ask for the "database resolution team" specifically. Regular reps can't access the detailed matching errors. Also, if you've changed addresses frequently or had any name variations (even something like Katie vs. Katherine), that can trigger these mismatches with the stricter verification system. One more thing to try: ask your financial aid office to submit a "SAR correction" with exactly the same information - sometimes just having it processed through a different pathway fixes the database matching issue.

I had this problem last month and discovered that using Claimyr.com solved it completely. Instead of waiting on hold forever, they hold your place in line and call you back when an actual FSA agent is ready. I was able to speak to someone in the resolution department who fixed the SSN verification issue on the spot. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ that shows how it works. Honestly, it was worth trying after wasting days trying to get through on my own.

The whole FAFSA system is broken this year!! My son's college said they've seen hundreds of these errors with the new system. Something about the database matching being more strict but also glitchy. RIDICULOUS!!!!

One other approach: ask your financial aid office to initiate a "FAFSA Adjustment Request" specifically citing error code RA-21 (the identity verification mismatch code). Financial aid offices have special access channels to resolve these issues that students don't. The key is finding someone who knows how to properly code the adjustment request. Not all financial aid officers are trained on the new system's error resolution pathways.

did u change ur name recently? my friend got married and that caused all kinds of problems cuz her social still had her old name but fafsa had new name

Update from my earlier comment - I just remembered that when I finally got this fixed, they told me there was a "flag" on my SSN that was causing the mismatch. It wasn't that my information was wrong, but there was some kind of administrative mark in the system that needed to be removed. Only a senior FSA agent could see it and fix it. Definitely try to get to someone in their escalation team.

Good news - I spoke with my colleague who works at FSA, and she confirmed there's been a known issue with the 2025-2026 FAFSA's SSA matching algorithm. If you've had successful applications in previous years and nothing has changed, request your financial aid office submit form FSA-38 (Database Override Request). This temporary solution allows them to bypass the automated verification while the system issues are being resolved. The form must be submitted by your school, not by you directly. The key is that your previous successful FAFSA applications serve as established verification that your information is correct.

I went through this last year and it was actually because of a typo in my social security card itself!! Had to get a new SS card before FAFSA would accept it. Might be worth checking your actual card against what SSA has on file.

UPDATE: Problem solved! For anyone having this issue in the future, here's what worked: 1. My financial aid office submitted the FSA-38 Database Override Request form mentioned by one of the commenters 2. I also got through to FSA using the Claimyr service that someone suggested 3. The FSA agent confirmed there was a system flag on my account from a previous data verification attempt that was causing the automatic rejection The agent removed the flag and processed a manual verification. My SAI score was calculated within 48 hours and my aid package is now being processed! Thanks everyone for the help!

Wow, thank you Victoria for posting this detailed update! As someone who's been lurking here trying to figure out my own FAFSA issues, this thread has been incredibly helpful. I'm dealing with a similar SSN/DOB mismatch problem and have been getting nowhere with the regular FSA phone line. I'm definitely going to ask my financial aid office about the FSA-38 Database Override Request form - I had no idea that existed! And the Claimyr service sounds like a lifesaver for actually getting through to someone who can help. It's so frustrating that the new FAFSA system is causing all these problems for students who never had issues before. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and solutions here!