FAFSA error won't let me add spouse's SSN - system checked 'no SSN' box automatically?

That happened to me too! I think it's a bug in the new system. I ended up having to start over because the FSA support line was no help. When I redid the application, I made sure to save after EACH section to verify the info was being recorded correctly. Also take screenshots as you go through each page - that saved me when I had to prove I had entered information that mysteriously disappeared.

mine did somethin similar but with my daughters fathers income info! whole section blank when i went back to check it! so annoying

This is actually a known issue with the 2025-2026 FAFSA system when there's a timing conflict between saving sections. What happens is if you pause too long between entering the SSN and completing that contributor section, the system can revert to default settings. Before starting over, try this troubleshooting sequence: 1. Log out completely and wait 30 minutes (allows server-side refreshes) 2. Clear your browser cache completely 3. Log back in and go to the "Contributor Information" section 4. Click "View/Edit" on your spouse's section 5. There should be an "Override" option at the bottom of that page 6. Select override and you can then uncheck the "no SSN" box If that doesn't work, you'll unfortunately need to use the "Reset Application" option in your FAFSA dashboard rather than completely starting over. This preserves some of your data while allowing you to fix specific sections.

I had the exact same problem but with MY ssn showing as missing instead of my husbands! The financial aid office at my daughter's school told me it's happening to lots of people. They said we need to call FSA directly because they can't fix it on their end.

This new FAFSA system is a COMPLETE DISASTER. I work in a college financial aid office and we are seeing HUNDREDS of applications with similar problems. The SSN issue, the contributor information disappearing, random verification flags - it's all part of the botched rollout. The Department of Education knows about these issues but they're overwhelmed. The "fixes" they promise keep getting delayed. Meanwhile students are missing deadlines and potentially losing thousands in aid because of THEIR errors. The most reliable solution is unfortunately to start over, but PRINT OR SCREENSHOT EVERY PAGE as you go. When the inevitable glitches happen again (and they will), at least you'll have documentation to show your school's financial aid office.

just wondering has anyone actually gotten their SAI score yet after submission? been waiting 5 weeks now

UPDATE: I tried the override option that @profile1 suggested but it didn't work for my account. I ended up using the Claimyr service to reach an FSA agent who confirmed this is a known bug affecting applications where the contributor section was completed over multiple sessions. The agent was able to manually reset just the contributor portion of our application without losing all the other information. Had to re-enter my husband's info, but at least I didn't lose everything else! For anyone else experiencing this - definitely call FSA directly. They can fix it on their end without you having to start completely over.

My daughter's application showed the exact same error but with MY SSN missing instead (I'm the mom). So weird that it's happening to so many people. We had to redo the entire thing 😩

This thread has been so helpful! I'm a newcomer here but dealing with the same exact issue. My spouse's SSN disappeared and the "no SSN" box got checked automatically. I've been panicking about having to start over completely, but seeing all these solutions gives me hope. Going to try calling FSA directly first, and if that doesn't work I'll look into the Claimyr service that several people mentioned. It's honestly ridiculous that we have to deal with these glitches when financial aid deadlines are so critical. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions!