FAFSA error when filing jointly - left spouse SSN blank as workaround - will application process?

Yes! This happened to me last month. The system kept rejecting my husband's valid SSN with some cryptic error about "verification mismatch" or something. I eventually used the same workaround (checking the no SSN box). My application was processed and we got our SAI calculation about 10 days later. When I called FSA, they said this was a known system issue and they're manually fixing these applications on their end. As long as your tax info is correct, they can match it up with your spouse's information through your tax return data.

i did this too lol. the stupid system wouldn't take my wifes ssn no matter what. checking that box was the only way to submit. got my SAI number last week, no problems so far

I'm sorry but this is TERRIBLE advice! I did the exact same thing last year with the 2024-25 FAFSA and it completely MESSED UP our application. They flagged us for verification and we had to submit all kinds of extra documentation. My daughter almost lost her scholarship because it took so long to resolve. The system is BROKEN and they don't care about families struggling with these technical issues!!!

Financial aid advisor here. This is indeed a known issue with the 2025-2026 FAFSA. The SSN verification system occasionally fails to match perfectly valid spouse SSNs, particularly when there have been recent name changes or when tax return information has small discrepancies (even things like hyphens or spacing in names). The workaround you used (indicating no SSN) will allow processing to continue. However, there is about a 50% chance you'll be selected for verification later. If that happens, you'll need to submit: 1. Your complete tax return transcript 2. A statement explaining the SSN submission issue 3. Documentation of your spouse's SSN (usually a copy of the card) Keep these documents ready just in case. For most applicants using this workaround, the application processes normally with perhaps a slight delay (3-5 days longer than usual).

I ran into a similar issue trying to reach someone at FSA about this exact problem. Spent THREE DAYS trying to get through their phone system. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to skip the wait and got connected to an agent in minutes. They confirmed this is a known glitch and explained the exact process for how they handle these applications. Saved my sanity! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ

This happened to my wife and I too! My name had a hyphen on our taxes but not on my SSN card, and the system just would not accept it. We used the same workaround (no SSN) about 3 weeks ago. We got our SAI calculation, but then got an email about verification. Had to send in some additional documentation, but nothing too complicated. Just wanted to share that even if you do get selected for verification, it's not the end of the world - just have your tax docs ready.

Thanks everyone for the reassurance! Definitely helps calm my nerves. I've gathered all our tax documents and made copies of my husband's SSN card just in case. I'll also reach out to my daughter's financial aid office tomorrow to give them a heads up about the situation. This whole new FAFSA system has been such a headache, but I'm glad to know I'm not alone!

does anyone know if this affects parent plus loan eligibility? thats what were counting on

I had something kinda similiar happen but with my daughter's SSN instead. I had to leave it blank too. Our application has been "processing" for almost a month now with no updates. Calling tomorrow because this is ridiculous.

Just wanted to add another success story to help ease your worry! I had the exact same SSN error with my husband's information about 6 weeks ago. Used the "no SSN" workaround after multiple failed attempts. Got my SAI within 10 days and everything processed smoothly - no verification required. I think the key difference from some of the horror stories is that our tax return was already processed by the IRS, so they could easily match our information. If your taxes are filed and processed, you should be in good shape. The system really is just buggy with SSN validation, but the backend processing seems to handle these cases well now.