FAFSA finally accepted my daughter's info after system glitch - what worked after 5 failed attempts

omg same thing happened to me last week!!! system wouldn't accept ANY corrections for my twins' applications. kept saying "processing error" whenever we tried to fix their birthdays (system had them listed as born in 2004 instead of 2006). Then magically on Thursday it just... worked? No explanation. FAFSA website is such garbage this year 😡

The 2025-26 FAFSA has had significant system-wide issues with the date correction functionality. What's happening is their validation process occasionally flags birthdate corrections as potential identity verification issues, putting applications into a technical review state that prevents further edits. When the system automatically put you into corrections mode, it was likely because your complaint triggered a manual backend review that cleared the verification flag. The birthdate showing as corrected means a technical specialist likely adjusted it directly in the database rather than through the user interface. For anyone experiencing similar issues, I recommend: 1. Use the chrome browser in incognito mode 2. Clear your cache and cookies before each attempt 3. File a formal complaint through the Federal Student Aid Feedback Center 4. Document each error with screenshots 5. Note your FSA ID, the exact time of the error, and any error codes

Congrats!!! The exact same thing happened to me and I almost missed my daughter's priority deadline because of it. Called FAFSA like 10+ times and got disconnected every single time. Such a nightmare.

lol i didn't even know u could file a complaint!! where do u even do that?? my brothers fafsa has been stuck for like 3 weeks and we cant get through on the phone at ALL

This is actually a well-documented issue with the 2025-26 FAFSA system. The problem stems from their integration of the FUTURE Act data-sharing implementation that's causing validation errors between IRS data and manually entered information. When you encounter these types of correction errors, particularly with birthdate information, it creates what's called an "identity resolution conflict" in their system. The most reliable solution path is: 1. Document the exact error messages you receive 2. File a formal complaint through the FSA Feedback Center (https://studentaid.gov/feedback-center/) 3. Include screenshots and your FSA ID in the complaint 4. Request a manual override of the identity resolution flag 5. Specifically mention any approaching priority deadlines for financial aid at your schools The automatic correction you experienced is actually their technical team implementing a backend fix, not a random glitch. They're currently handling thousands of similar cases.

has anyone had problems with the parent contribution section?? my parents' income keeps showing as $0 even though i uploaded all their tax docs. trying to see if I need to file another complaint lol

I spent HOURS battling with this stupid system!! Finally got irritated and just made a whole new FSA ID for my son and started over completely. That actually worked for us - the new application went through without any birthdate problems.

Anyone else notice that the SAI calculation seems way off this year? My daughter's expected contribution is almost $4000 higher than last year even though our income only went up by like $2000. Makes no sense.

UPDATE: We just received my daughter's official aid package from her school, and it matched what the FAFSA portal was showing once our correction went through! She qualified for a full Pell Grant plus state aid. Such a massive relief after all this stress. For anyone still struggling - DON'T GIVE UP! Keep pushing and trying different approaches!