FAFSA form glitch - child's middle name missing and not editable during review

this happens sometimes w/ the new FAFSA! don't delete anything yet, try going back to the contributor section where you first entered student info and see if you can edit there. if not clickable might need to logout/back in to refresh the form

The middle name issue is actually more common than you'd think with the 2025-2026 FAFSA. The system will still process your application correctly even if the middle name isn't showing in review. According to FSA guidance, what matters most is that the SSN, DOB, and first/last name match their records. Middle names aren't used for the primary matching process between FAFSA and Social Security Administration verification. If you're concerned though, I'd suggest: 1. Take screenshots of the issue 2. Complete and submit the form 3. After submission, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center to have them note this issue on your file But honestly, starting over might cause more problems than it solves at this point.

DO NOT submit with incorrect info!!! My son's application was flagged for verification because his middle name was missing and it didn't match Social Security records EXACTLY. We had to wait 5 WEEKS for resolution and almost missed out on grants! If you can't edit it, I'd restart. Better safe than sorry.

I had this EXACT problem last month with my twins' applications!!! So frustrating. What fixed it for me was using a different browser (Chrome instead of Safari). For some reason the edit fields became clickable. If that doesn't work, try the FAFSA mobile app - sometimes the fields that are locked on desktop work on the app. Let me know if this helps!!

I work in a college financial aid office, and I can tell you we're seeing this a lot with the new system. If you can't edit it through normal means, try these steps: 1. Clear your browser cache and cookies 2. Try using Microsoft Edge browser (works better with FAFSA for some reason) 3. If all else fails, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center Also - it's very unlikely this will affect your daughter's aid eligibility. The verification systems can handle minor discrepancies like missing middle names.

Honestly, the whole middle name thing depends on your school. Some schools are super strict about matching exactly what's on Social Security records, others don't care. I'd call YOUR SPECIFIC SCHOOLS to ask if they require middle names to match exactly. That's more important than what random people online tell you. FWIW my daughter's application had her middle initial only (not full middle name) and got processed fine with no verification flags.

did u try filling in ALL the other sections??? sometimes the system unlocks weird things once u get to 100% completion even if its not signed yet

Update: Thanks everyone for your advice! We tried multiple browsers, the mobile app, and completing all other sections, but still couldn't edit the middle name. We ended up calling FSA (thanks for the Claimyr suggestion - it worked great) and they confirmed this is a known glitch. They said we should submit anyway and they noted our account. The agent said middle names won't affect our daughter's aid calculation or school matching since her SSN, DOB, and first/last name are correct. What a relief!

Great to hear you got it sorted out! For anyone else dealing with similar FAFSA glitches, it's really helpful to know that FSA confirmed this is a known issue and that missing middle names won't impact aid calculations. The Claimyr service sounds like a game-changer for actually reaching someone at FSA - I'll definitely keep that in mind. Thanks for sharing the resolution!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm dealing with a similar issue where my son's middle initial is showing up as "NMN" (no middle name) even though he does have a middle name. Based on what everyone shared here, it sounds like I should try the mobile app first, then maybe use that Claimyr service to get through to FSA if needed. It's reassuring to know this won't actually impact his aid eligibility. Thanks for documenting your solution - it's going to help so many families!