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Alana Willis

FAFSA missing parent signature - do both student and parent need to sign again?

My FAFSA application is showing as 'processed with missing information' and says we're missing the parent signature. I sent my dad the link to sign over a week ago but he finally did it yesterday. Now I'm confused - do I need to sign AGAIN too, or just him? The status is still showing as incomplete. I've tried calling the Federal Student Aid helpline THREE TIMES today and either got disconnected or hung up on after waiting 45+ minutes. The chat feature on studentaid.gov isn't responding either. Has anyone dealt with this signature issue before? My school's priority deadline is next week and I'm freaking out!

Tyler Murphy

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When this happened to my daughter last year, only the parent needed to sign. After my signature was processed (took about 3 days), the FAFSA was marked complete. However, I know they made changes to the signature process for the 2025-2026 FAFSA. Are you using the mobile app or the website? The app sometimes doesn't sync correctly with signature statuses.

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Alana Willis

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Thanks for responding! I'm using the website, not the app. Did you get any kind of confirmation email after signing? My dad says he completed it but didn't receive anything confirming it went through.

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Sara Unger

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This just happened to me!! Only my mom had to sign again, not me. But it took like 4 days to update in the system and show complete. So annoying

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Alana Willis

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That's reassuring! I'll give it a few more days then. Did your SAI calculation come through right after that or was there another waiting period?

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The new FAFSA system is a NIGHTMARE. I've been trying to get this resolved for my son since January. Even after both signatures were done, they still flagged it for "verification" and we had to submit MORE documents. The whole system is designed to prevent students from getting aid!!

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Sara Unger

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omg this happened to my cousin too!! they kept asking for more and more documents even after everything was signed correctly. the whole thing is such a mess this year

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Freya Ross

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From what I understand, once the FAFSA is processed, only the person whose signature is missing needs to sign again. The student doesn't need to re-sign unless there were changes made to the application content. However, there's a known glitch in the system where sometimes the signature status doesn't update properly even after both parties have signed. In this case, you might need to: 1. Have both you and your parent log in to your respective accounts 2. Navigate to the signature page 3. Check if there's a "Sign Again" button visible 4. If not, contact FSA directly The processing time is currently 5-7 business days for signature updates.

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Alana Willis

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This is really helpful, thank you! I'll double check both our accounts tonight. I've been trying to contact FSA but it's impossible to get through.

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Leslie Parker

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i had this exact problem and ended up just resubmitting the whole application lol. probably not the best solution but it worked for me

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Freya Ross

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Resubmitting can actually cause more delays as the system will flag it as a potential duplicate application. This might trigger additional verification requirements. It's generally better to resolve signature issues with the original application.

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Sergio Neal

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Try using Claimyr to get through to an actual FSA agent. I was stuck in the same situation and couldn't get anyone on the phone for days. Used claimyr.com and they got me connected to a real person at FSA in about 20 minutes. The agent was able to check my application and confirm exactly what was needed. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ

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Alana Willis

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I've never heard of this! Did you have to pay for it? At this point I'm desperate enough to try anything.

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Sergio Neal

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Yes, there is a fee, but it was worth it to actually talk to someone instead of getting disconnected over and over. The agent I spoke with fixed my signature issue right on the call.

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The signature requirement depends on what changes were made to the FAFSA since the last time it was signed. If information was updated, both student and parents typically need to sign again. But if it's just a case of the parent signature never being properly processed, then only the parent needs to sign. In my experience working with students, I'd recommend having both people sign again just to be safe. The system is particularly finicky this year with the new SAI calculation method replacing the old EFC. Also, keep in mind that the "processed" status can take 3-5 business days to update after signatures are completed.

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Alana Willis

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Thank you for the detailed explanation! We definitely didn't change any information, so hopefully just his signature will be enough. I'll follow up with my dad to make sure he completed all the steps correctly.

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Sara Unger

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Has ur status changed yet? im dealing with the same thing rn

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Alana Willis

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Just checked and it finally updated this morning! It took almost 4 days after my dad signed for the status to change to complete. Now it says I should get my SAI calculation in 3-5 more days. This process is so much slower than I expected!

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The whole system is designed to be confusing! My daughter's application was delayed by almost a month because of these exact same signature issues. And then they had the nerve to tell us we missed priority deadlines at her top school. CRIMINAL!

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While frustrating, most schools understand the widespread FAFSA delays this year and have adjusted their processes accordingly. I recommend contacting the financial aid office at your daughter's school directly - many are extending deadlines or making accommodations for students affected by FAFSA processing issues.

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Tyler Murphy

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Glad to hear your status updated! One additional tip: once your FAFSA is fully processed and you receive your SAI, make sure to check if your schools' financial aid offices have actually received your FAFSA data. There can sometimes be a delay in the information being transmitted to your selected schools even after the application shows complete on your end.

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Alana Willis

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That's really good to know! I'll definitely follow up with my school's financial aid office after I get the SAI. Thank you so much for all your help!

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