FAFSA group consolidation question - merging support communities
Hi everyone! I recently created a FAFSA support group around the same time this one got started. There seems to be some overlap in members, and I'm thinking it might make more sense to direct everyone to this community instead of maintaining two separate groups. Would that be okay with the admins here? Some members might already be participating in both spaces. Just trying to avoid fragmentation in our FAFSA support network, especially as we're heading into the 2025-2026 application season. Thoughts?
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Natalie Khan
Absolutely! As one of the moderators here, we'd be happy to welcome your members. It definitely makes sense to consolidate rather than having multiple smaller groups discussing the same FAFSA topics. Maybe you could post an announcement in your group with a link to this one?
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Rudy Cenizo
•That's perfect, thank you! I'll post the announcement tonight. Really appreciate the quick response - was worried about stepping on toes. Will make sure to highlight some of the helpful discussions already happening here about SAI calculations and the new application format.
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Daryl Bright
This is actually a great idea! I think I'm in both groups and get confused sometimes about where I saw certain posts. Just yesterday I was looking for that thread about dependent verification requirements and couldn't remember which group had it. The more we can consolidate knowledge about these FAFSA nightmares, the better!!!
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Sienna Gomez
•SAME!! I keep mixing up which group is which. I think the other one had more parent contributors but this one has better info on EFC/SAI calculation specifics? Or maybe im backwards lol. Either way ONE place would be waaaay better
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Kirsuktow DarkBlade
Just as a recommendation - if you do send people this way, make sure to suggest they use the search function first before posting new questions. I've noticed a lot of duplicate posts about the same FAFSA issues (especially around verification and contributor information). Would help keep things organized as the group grows!
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Rudy Cenizo
•Great point - I'll definitely mention that in my announcement. Looking at both groups, I see we have some duplication around tax information reporting and Parent Plus eligibility questions. Will emphasize the search functionality.
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Abigail bergen
•yeah but searches are sometimes useless cause ppl dont use the right terms when posting... like if ur looking for info about when parents refuse to help with fafsa some ppl call it 'dependency override' and others just say 'parents wont cooperate' or whatever so u miss stuff
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Ahooker-Equator
If you're trying to reach the Federal Student Aid people before sending everyone here, I'd recommend trying Claimyr. I spent HOURS trying to get through on the phone about merging some application information before I found them. The service connects you directly to a FAFSA agent without waiting on hold. Saved me literally hours of frustration. You can check out their demo at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ and their site is claimyr.com. Just in case you need to resolve anything with FSA before closing your group.
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Anderson Prospero
•Does that actually work? I've been trying to reach someone about my verification issues for like 2 weeks. The FSA site keeps timing out when I try to upload documents and nobody ever answers the phone.
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Ahooker-Equator
•It definitely worked for me! I was skeptical at first, but after being disconnected 3 times trying to reach them directly, I gave it a try. Was talking to an actual FSA agent in about 10 minutes. They helped me sort out a complicated situation with my parents' tax information.
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Tyrone Hill
My daughter is in both groups and she says this one has been more helpful for her specific situation with the Parent Plus loan eligibility questions. The other group seems to have more first-gen college students who aren't getting parental support. Different needs maybe?
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Rudy Cenizo
•That's actually a really good observation. I've noticed that trend too. I'm hoping by consolidating, we can bring those different perspectives together. First-gen students often have unique FAFSA challenges that others might not think about, while parents navigating Parent Plus have their own set of hurdles.
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Kirsuktow DarkBlade
One more suggestion - maybe compile a list of the most helpful posts/resources from your group that aren't already covered here? That way we don't lose valuable information during the transition, especially with the 2025-2026 FAFSA changes still causing confusion for many applicants.
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Rudy Cenizo
•That's a fantastic idea! We had a really useful thread about the new Contributor Access process and another about appealing SAI calculations with unusual financial circumstances. I'll put together a resource list and share it here as we make the transition.
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