FAFSA form keeps looping back to beginning - can't submit application

omg same thing happpened to me last week! so frustrating!! i ended up having to delete my entire application and start over from scratch :( took me like 5 hours but at least it finally submitted

This is a known issue with the new FAFSA system that happens when there's a validation error that the system isn't properly displaying to you. Before you delete everything, try these troubleshooting steps: 1. Check if you left any required fields blank, especially in the contributor section 2. Make sure your SAR ID number format is correct 3. Verify that all income fields have consistent decimal points 4. Check if your parent/contributor information has a mismatch with their FSA ID 5. Try submitting very late at night (2-3am) when server traffic is lower If none of those work, call FSA directly at 1-800-433-3243 and ask them to check for backend errors on your application.

the new FAFSA is such GARBAGE!!! i've been working in financial aid for 7 years and this new system is BY FAR the worst version they've ever released. so many students at our college having similar issues and FSA just keeps saying "we're working on it" but nothing ever gets fixed!! your best bet is calling them directly but good luck getting through - 3+ hour hold times all day every day

I had this exact problem last month. It was caused by a mismatch between the name format I used for my dad (I put "Robert" but his FSA ID used "Bob"). The system should TELL you this is the problem but instead it just loops. You might also want to try using Claimyr to get through to FAFSA phone support faster. It held my place in line and called me back when an agent was available. Saved me hours of waiting on hold. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ or just go to claimyr.com. It honestly saved my sanity when dealing with this mess.

This is a widespread issue that's affecting many FAFSA applicants this year. Based on my experience working with students, here are the most common causes of the submission loop: 1. Contributor information discrepancies - Names, DOB, or SSN formatting doesn't exactly match FSA ID records 2. Browser compatibility - While you've tried different browsers, make sure you're using the most current version with all extensions disabled 3. Session timeout issues - The FAFSA portal has a relatively short session timeout (about 30 minutes) but doesn't notify you properly. Your information appears saved, but the session has expired. 4. Tax information formatting - Decimal points in income fields causing validation errors 5. Special character usage - Apostrophes in names or addresses sometimes create validation errors The most reliable solution is fixing contributor information matches first, then trying submission during off-peak hours (late night/early morning). If that fails, calling FSA directly with your application ID ready is your best option.

did u even try using a different email address?? sometimes the system gets weird if ur email has been used before even in previous years FAFSA applications

Just wanted to update everyone that I was having this EXACT same issue earlier this month. For me, it was because I had entered my parents' income with commas (like $45,000) instead of without commas ($45000). Once I fixed that, it finally submitted! Such a stupid reason for it to keep looping but might be worth checking.

tbh i just waited until the maintennce window (they update the site every sunday night) and then tried again monday morning and it magically worked lol

I had this same looping issue a few weeks ago and it turned out to be multiple small problems combined! Here's what I found: 1. My parent's name had a Jr. in their FSA ID but I didn't include it in the FAFSA 2. I was putting periods after middle initials (like "John A. Smith") when their FSA ID just had "John A Smith" 3. I was using my phone's browser which apparently doesn't play nice with the FAFSA system Once I fixed the name formatting to EXACTLY match their FSA ID (no extra punctuation, same capitalization, etc.) and switched to desktop Chrome with all extensions disabled, it finally went through. The system is super picky about exact matches but gives you zero helpful error messages. Also try clearing your browser data completely before your next attempt - not just cache but cookies and stored form data too. Good luck!

Oh wow, reading through all these responses makes me feel so much better knowing I'm not alone with this issue! I'm a senior and this is my last year applying for FAFSA, but I've never had problems like this before. The new system is absolutely terrible compared to previous years. I've been stuck in the same loop for 2 days now and was getting really panicked about missing my school's deadline. Based on everyone's suggestions, I think my issue might be similar to what others have experienced - probably a name formatting mismatch with my dad's FSA ID. He goes by "Mike" but his legal name is "Michael" and I'm not sure which one I used when I set up his contributor info. Going to try fixing that tonight along with double-checking for any commas in the income fields. If that doesn't work, I'll definitely try that Claimyr service someone mentioned to get through to FSA phone support faster. At this point I'm willing to try anything! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions - this community is a lifesaver when the actual FAFSA system is completely broken!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this nightmare! I went through the exact same thing last month and it was incredibly stressful. After reading through all these responses, it sounds like there are several common culprits that cause this looping issue. The most likely fix based on what others have shared: check that your mom's name in the FAFSA matches EXACTLY how it appears on her FSA ID - including whether she used her maiden name vs married name, and any middle initials or suffixes. Even tiny differences like "Jennifer" vs "Jen" can cause the silent loop. Also double-check that you didn't include any commas in income amounts (should be 45000 not 45,000) and remove any extra punctuation from names. If those don't work, definitely try submitting late at night when there's less server traffic. I finally got mine to go through at 2am after days of trying during normal hours. The new FAFSA system is absolutely terrible - you're not alone in this frustration! Hang in there and hopefully one of these solutions will work for you before your deadline.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Been trying to submit for the past 2 days and it's driving me absolutely crazy. Reading through everyone's responses has been super helpful though - sounds like this is a widespread problem with the new system. I'm pretty sure my issue is also related to name formatting. My mom remarried a few years ago and I think I might have entered her current married name in the FAFSA but her FSA ID probably still has her previous name. Going to double-check that tonight along with removing any commas from income fields. It's so frustrating that the system doesn't give you ANY useful error messages - just dumps you back to the beginning like nothing happened. At least now I know I'm not the only one dealing with this nightmare! Thanks everyone for sharing your solutions, definitely going to try the late night submission trick if the name fixes don't work.