FAFSA glitch won't let me enter spouse's Social Security number correctly

I had the EXACT same issue last week! The FAFSA system has been super glitchy since they implemented the new SAI calculation method. What worked for me was logging out completely, waiting about 30 minutes, then going back in using a private/incognito browser window. For some reason that reset whatever was causing the error. Also make sure you're not using any special characters or spaces when entering the SS number.

ppl had this issue last yr too. fafsa website is garbage tbh. try using ur phone instead of computer, worked 4 me

This is a known issue with the 2025-2026 FAFSA. The problem is that the system occasionally has data synchronization problems between screens. The most reliable fix I've found is to completely log out, clear your browser cache and cookies, then wait AT LEAST one hour before trying again. This gives their system time to clear the session data on their end. If that doesn't work, there's also a workaround: instead of trying to fix the existing application, start a new FAFSA (don't worry, it won't submit twice). When you get to the spouse information section, enter the SS number BEFORE entering any other spouse information. For some reason, this sequence avoids triggering the bug. If all else fails, you might need to contact FSA directly at 1-800-433-3243, but good luck getting through - wait times are ridiculous right now with all the application issues.

Ugh I had so many issues with my FAFSA this year too but different from yours. The whole contributor section kept crashing when I tried to add my stepdad's info. Eventually just had to start the whole application over. These technical problems are probably why they extended the priority deadline for some states. Check if your school has a different deadline!!

If you've tried all the technical workarounds and still having issues, I highly recommend using Claimyr to get through to an actual FSA agent on the phone. I was battling a similar glitch for days and wasting hours on hold getting disconnected. With Claimyr I got through to an agent in about 20 minutes who was able to override something on their end that fixed my issue. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ - saved me so much frustration! Just go to claimyr.com and they'll call you when an agent is available.

One other thing to check - make sure there isn't a mismatch between your husband's name as entered in the FAFSA and his name as it appears with the Social Security Administration. Even small differences like using a middle initial vs. full middle name can trigger verification issues. The system sometimes defaults to "no SS number" when it detects a potential name/SSN mismatch.

UPDATE: I finally got it fixed!!! For anyone else having this problem, here's what worked: I used an incognito browser like someone suggested, but the key was entering the information in a specific order: 1. Name 2. Date of birth 3. Social security number 4. THEN uncheck the "no SS number" box (even though I never checked it) For some bizarre reason, that sequence worked! The system accepted everything and I was able to move forward. Now just waiting for my SAI calculation to see what aid I qualify for. Thanks everyone for your help!