FAFSA disaster - wrong Social Security Number for twin, can't correct it now

This is fixable! Don't panic or delete anything yet. When you submit initial FAFSA applications with incorrect SSNs, you need to wait for the application to fully process first (usually 3-5 business days), then submit a correction. The parent SSN correction option will become available after processing completes. For Twin B, you'll need to wait until Twin A's application is fully processed and corrected before attempting to create Twin B's account. The system is detecting the duplicate SSN issue now, which is causing the lockout.

I had ALMOST the exact same issue!!! except it was with my son and daughter not twins. The FAFSA system is so incredibly frustrating when it comes to these SSN errors!!!! I tried calling the support line like 15 TIMES and kept getting disconnected or transferred to people who gave different answers. wasted like 3 days of my life on this!!!!

You don't need to start over. Here's what to do: 1. Wait for Twin A's application to fully process (get the SAI calculation) 2. Once processed, log into studentaid.gov and select "Make FAFSA Corrections" 3. Look for the parent information section to update the SSN 4. Submit the corrected application 5. Wait for the corrected application to process (another 3-5 days) 6. THEN create Twin B's FSA ID and submit their application The system flags duplicate SSNs for security reasons, which is why Twin B can't create an account right now. The good news is that schools understand these kinds of issues happen with the new FAFSA system.

try calling the FSA number early in the morning like 8am EST that worked for me got thru in only 20 min instead of hours

Last year I had a nightmare with my daughter's FAFSA when I mistyped her birthday. I ended up using Claimyr to get through to an actual person at FSA in about 10 minutes (instead of the 3+ hours I spent on hold the day before). They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ that shows how it works. The agent was able to manually override something in the system that let me fix the birthday issue. For SSN problems like yours, I think you definitely need to speak with an actual agent rather than trying to fix it yourself since it's a security-sensitive field.

I work at a university financial aid office, and we see this exact issue with twins quite frequently. Here's what I tell families: 1. DO NOT create a new application or delete anything 2. The parent SSN error on Twin A's application needs to be fixed via the correction process after it's processed 3. For Twin B, you'll need to call FSA directly at 1-800-433-3243 and explain the situation The system treats duplicate SSNs as potential fraud attempts, which is triggering the account creation block. A verification specialist at FSA can place a note on your account and help manually override this for Twin B's application. Most importantly, document every call - get agent names, reference numbers, and summaries of what you're told. This will help if you need to request deadline extensions from schools.

Just wondering - are your twins identical? My mom ran into issues with my twin brother's fafsa years ago because the system thought it was duplicate applications lol

Quick update to my earlier advice - check if Twin A's SAI calculation has been processed yet. If it has, the correction option should be available now. If it's been more than 5 business days with no calculation, that's when you should definitely call FSA directly, as there might be additional verification flags on the account due to the SSN discrepancy.

Did you ever get this fixed?? I'm dealing with something similar now and pulling my hair out!