FAFSA mail application from March still not processed - anyone else waiting since paper submission?

omg same boat!! mailed mine in April and NOTHING. called FSA twice but got disconnected both times after waiting forever. its ridiculous that they make us wait this long when the online people got processed in like 2 weeks!! my school keeps sending me warning emails about incomplete financial aid and im freaking out bc i cant register for spring without it

why did u mail it in anyway?? the websites way faster

Unfortunately, the processing time for paper FAFSA applications has increased dramatically this year. For the 2025-2026 cycle, FSA is prioritizing online applications first due to the new simplified form requirements. Paper applications are being processed in batches, with current wait times averaging 12-16 weeks from when processing began (not from when you submitted). Here's what you should do immediately: 1. Request a processing confirmation from FSA that shows your submission date 2. Submit this confirmation to your financial aid office 3. Ask for a provisional aid package based on last year's information 4. Follow up weekly with FSA until processing completes Your SAI calculation will be prioritized once your application enters the system, but the initial paper-to-digital conversion is the bottleneck.

I've been helping students with FAFSA issues for years, and paper applications are ALWAYS delayed, but this year is exceptionally bad. You need to be incredibly persistent with FSA. Try calling right when they open at 8am Eastern - that's your best chance of getting through. If you're still stuck, I recently discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me get through to an FSA agent within minutes rather than hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ Once you get through, request a formal processing status update and ask for documentation of your submission date to provide to your school. Don't take "we're working on it" as an answer - get specifics about where in the queue your application stands.

You should of applied online like everyone else. Paper applications are always the last to be processed. Its common knowledge

For those waiting on paper FAFSA applications for 2025-2026, here's the current processing timeline according to my contact at FSA: - March submissions: Currently being entered into the system (expected completion by end of month) - April submissions: Processing begins mid-month - May submissions: Processing expected to begin next month The key issue is that paper applications must be manually entered into the digital system before automated processing can occur. Once your application is digitized, you'll receive notification and your SAI will be calculated within 3-5 business days. Contact your school's financial aid office immediately with documentation of your submission date. Federal guidelines require schools to make accommodations for processing delays outside student control.

does anyone know if we can switch to online application now? or are we just stuck waiting forever?? this is my first time applying for fafsa and nobody told me paper would take 100 years

This is RIDICULOUS!! I mailed my daughters application in February and we've heard NOTHING! Called FSA 8 times - either cant get through or they give different answers every time!! One person said paper applications aren't even started until AUGUST now! Meanwhile my daughter cant register for classes without her aid package! FSA has BILLIONS of dollars but cant process paper forms?? Something fishy is going on. The system is BROKEN and nobody cares about students!

Has anyone successfully had their school provide provisional aid while waiting for paper FAFSA processing? My students are running into the same issues described here.

UPDATE: I finally got through to FSA today using the Claimyr service that someone recommended here. The agent confirmed they received my application but it's still in the paper-to-digital conversion queue. She added a priority flag to my application after I explained my school's deadline situation. They said I should see movement within 10 business days. The agent also emailed me a confirmation letter I can show my school as proof that I applied on time. Just wanted to share in case it helps anyone else in the same situation!

This is exactly what I'm going through! Mailed my FAFSA in early April and my college keeps sending me emails about missing aid documents. Reading through these comments has been super helpful - I had no idea about the Claimyr service or that I could request provisional aid from my school. Going to call my financial aid office tomorrow with proof of my submission date and ask about getting a temporary aid package. It's frustrating that paper applications get treated like second-class citizens when some of us literally have no other option due to internet issues. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions!