FAFSA error: Contributor shows existing account with unused email - how to fix?

omg this happened to me last week!! so frustrating. did ur dad maybe apply for a loan for himself at some point? or maybe someone used his info by mistake??

This is actually a common issue with the new FAFSA system. There are two possibilities: 1. Your father may have created an account years ago and forgotten about it (maybe helped a relative, or started an application he never finished) 2. More likely: There's a data matching error in the system where someone else's information got incorrectly linked to your father's SSN Either way, you'll need to contact FSA directly to resolve this. The contributor verification process is part of the new stricter identity verification requirements for the 2025-2026 FAFSA.

When I had this exact problem with my mom's contributor information, I found out it was because someone had entered her SSN incorrectly on their FAFSA (transposed two digits). We had to file an identity theft report with FSA. Took FOREVER to fix - like 3 weeks of back and forth. You need to talk to a human at FSA who can verify your dad's identity and unlink the incorrect email association.

I tried calling FSA for 2 weeks straight when I had verification issues and kept getting disconnected after 2+ hours on hold. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ showing how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration. The FSA agent was able to fix my contributor issue in about 10 minutes once I actually got through to someone.

Financial aid professional here. This is a known issue with the 2025-26 FAFSA contributor verification system. Here's what you need to do: 1. First, try the "Forgot Password" function using your father's email. If he truly has no account, it will say no account exists. 2. If that doesn't work, you need to speak with an FSA agent who can manually verify your father's identity and correct the database error. This requires: - Your father's SSN - A copy of his government ID - Proof of address - Your FAFSA ID number 3. Most importantly, request that the agent create a case number for this issue. This way, if you get disconnected, the next agent can see the history. 4. If they resolve it, wait 24-48 hours before trying to add your father as a contributor again. This won't affect your FAFSA submission date for priority consideration as long as you document your attempts to resolve the issue. Schools will work with you if you explain the technical difficulties.

THE ENTIRE FAFSA SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY BROKEN THIS YEAR!!! I've had nothing but problems since day one. First the SAI calculator gave me totally wrong numbers, then my parents couldn't create accounts, now my school says they can't even see my application!!! It's like they deliberately want to stop people from getting financial aid. Has anyone else noticed how much WORSE the new system is compared to the old one? I'm about to give up on college altogether.

UPDATE: Finally got through to FSA after trying for days! The agent confirmed there was an account linked to my dad's SSN but with a completely different email (not his). Looks like someone entered the wrong SSN on their FAFSA application years ago. They've opened a case and are working to unlink the incorrect association. Said it might take 3-5 business days to fix in their system. The agent assured me this won't affect my priority deadline as long as I submit as soon as the issue is resolved. Just wanted to update in case anyone else runs into this problem. Keep trying to reach FSA - it's the only way to fix it!

Let us know if it gets fixed! Mine took about a week to resolve completely. Once they fixed the SSN issue in the system, everything else went smoothly. Just make sure to tell your schools about the delay if you're approaching any scholarship deadlines. Most schools will give you an extension if you explain that you had a verified technical issue with FSA.

my cousins boyfriend had the same problem last month i think! his dad never went to college either but somehow had an account. turns out his dad applied for some continuing education thing years ago and forgot all about it. weird how these things happen!

So glad to hear you got through to FSA and figured out what was happening! This is exactly why I always tell people to keep trying - these database mix-ups are more common than you'd think with the new system. The fact that someone else's incorrect SSN entry created this whole mess is frustrating but at least now you know it wasn't anything your dad did wrong. Hopefully the 3-5 day timeline holds and you can get your FAFSA submitted soon. Thanks for updating us - this thread will definitely help other students who run into the same issue!