FAFSA login keeps failing after verification code - 2025-2026 application stuck in limbo

Same exact thing happened to me last week! So frustrating. I had to call Federal Student Aid and wait forever, but they told me there's a known issue with the verification system right now. Apparently the text codes are timing out faster than they're supposed to (like 60 seconds instead of 10 minutes). The agent had to manually override something in my account. My daughter's application finally went through after that.

I'm an academic advisor and we're seeing this issue with tons of students right now. Few things to try: 1. Enter the code IMMEDIATELY after receiving it (within 30 seconds) 2. If using mobile, switch to desktop or vice versa 3. Make sure the phone number is exactly what's on file in your FSA ID account 4. If none of that works, you might need special account reset by phone agent Unfortunately many verification codes are expiring almost instantly due to a system glitch. The FSA is aware of the problem but it's not fixed for everyone yet.

have u tried using a diferent phone #? my son had this issue and we switched to my cell insted of his and it workt fine after that. might be worth a shot!

This verification issue is happening to EVERYONE. It's ridiculous how they rolled out this new 2025-2026 FAFSA system with so many bugs. And of course it happens right when deadlines are approaching!! I've been dealing with FAFSA for all three of my kids over the years, and this is by far the worst implementation I've ever seen. The codes expire too quickly, sometimes they never arrive, and nobody at FSA will take responsibility. Meanwhile our kids might lose thousands in aid because of THEIR technical problems. Absolutely infuriating.

Try using Claimyr to get through to a FAFSA agent (claimyr.com). I was having the same verification code problem last week and was going insane trying to get through to someone. They got me connected to an actual FSA agent in about 10 minutes who fixed the issue on their end. There's even a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent told me they're dealing with a huge backlog of these verification issues right now because of some database synchronization problem.

Financial aid officer here. This is indeed a known issue with the StudentAid.gov system, specifically with the verification code process. The technical team is working on a fix, but in the meantime: 1. Make sure your FSA ID information EXACTLY matches what's in the Social Security database 2. Try logging in during off-peak hours (before 8am or after 10pm Eastern) 3. If possible, create a new FSA ID for the parent (though this may cause other complications) If these don't work, you'll need to speak with an FSA agent who can manually verify your identity. Also, if your school has an October 1 priority deadline, they're likely aware of these system-wide issues and may have alternative procedures in place. I recommend contacting their financial aid office directly to let them know you're experiencing technical difficulties with the FAFSA submission.

We just went through this exact nightmare! What finally worked for us was having my daughter create an entirely new FSA ID with a different email address. It sounds drastic but after 2 weeks of trying everything else, this was the only solution. The verification texts worked immediately with the new account. Just make sure all the personal info matches exactly what's on their Social Security card.

just wanna say thanks everyone for all this info we were having the same problem with my twins FAFSA forms and spent HOURS tryna figure it out!

UPDATE: It WORKED! I used that Claimyr service to get through to an actual person at Federal Student Aid. The agent said there was a flag on our account because our phone number had too many failed verification attempts. She reset something on their end and we were able to log in right away after that. Application is FINALLY submitted! If anyone else is dealing with this, definitely try to speak with an actual agent. Thank you all for the help and commiseration!

So relieved to see this update! I've been following this thread because we're dealing with the exact same issue with my daughter's FAFSA. Going to try Claimyr today - it sounds like getting through to an actual agent is really the key here. Thanks for posting the follow-up, it gives me hope that we can get this resolved before her scholarship deadlines!