FAFSA mixed up our Social Security numbers - how to reach a real person?
UGH! Just got paperwork from FAFSA and they somehow switched my SSN with my daughter's! Her number is showing as mine and vice versa on ALL the documents. I tried fixing it on studentaid.gov but there's no option for this specific error. Called the 1-800 number FIVE times today and either got disconnected or was on hold for 45+ mins before giving up. Has anyone successfully reached an actual human at FAFSA lately?? This is a pretty serious error that needs fixing ASAP since she's trying to submit applications for fall 2025!
16 comments
Join the conversation
LilMama23
same thing happened with my son last month! i wasted 2 days trying to reach them. eventually i just resubmitted the whole application from scratch with the correct numbers and it worked
0 coins
Aisha Patel
•Thanks but did you actually get the original one cancelled? I'm worried about having duplicate applications in the system and creating ANOTHER problem!
0 coins
Dmitri Volkov
This is definitely a security issue that needs to be addressed directly with Federal Student Aid. I recommend three approaches: 1. Try calling early in the morning, right when they open at 8:00 AM ET. The hold times are typically much shorter then. 2. Use the FAFSA feedback center to submit a formal complaint about the SSN error: https://studentaid.gov/feedback-center/ 3. Your daughter's school's financial aid office might be able to help escalate this issue, especially since it involves incorrect SSNs. Just be sure to have all the documentation ready when you do reach someone. They'll need verification of both your identities and correct SSNs.
0 coins
Aisha Patel
•I've tried the early morning calls twice already but will keep trying! Didn't know about the feedback center - will try that route today. Thanks!
0 coins
Gabrielle Dubois
OMG they are IMPOSSIBLE to reach!! I had a verification issue last year and spent literally WEEKS trying to talk to someone. The system is completely broken. I feel your pain!!!
0 coins
Tyrone Johnson
•I've had success using Claimyr.com to reach FAFSA agents without the ridiculous wait times. They basically hold your place in line and call you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration when I had a similar SSN issue. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ Not cheap but worth it for something as important as fixing SSN issues!
0 coins
Ingrid Larsson
This is a common problem that needs immediate attention. SSN errors can create major verification issues later in the process and potentially delay your daughter's aid package. Here's what you should do: 1. Document everything - take screenshots, keep copies of all incorrect documents 2. Call using the direct correction line: 1-800-433-3243 (choose option 5, then 2) 3. Submit a written correction request with photocopies of both SSN cards to: Federal Student Aid Programs P.O. Box 7730 London, KY 40742-7730 I've helped several students through this exact issue. Once they have the correct documentation, they can usually fix it within 3-5 business days.
0 coins
Aisha Patel
•Thank you for the specific number options! I didn't know there was a specific correction line. Will try that first thing tomorrow morning. The mailing address is also very helpful - good to have a backup plan if I still can't get through.
0 coins
Carlos Mendoza
just wondering... did u try ur local college financial aid office? sometimes they can contact FAFSA directly thru special channels
0 coins
Aisha Patel
•That's a good idea! My daughter hasn't picked a school yet, but maybe the community college where I take night classes could help. Worth a try at this point!
0 coins
Zainab Mahmoud
I don't mean to make you more anxious, but PLEASE get this fixed ASAP. My nephew had an SSN mix-up and it ended up delaying his SAI calculation by 8 weeks, which pushed back all his financial aid offers. Some schools ran out of institutional aid by the time his FAFSA was properly processed. Document EVERYTHING and be super persistent. This is definitely something that requires talking to an actual human at FSA.
0 coins
Aisha Patel
•Oh no, that's exactly what I'm worried about! She needs those aid packages to make her college decision. I'm going to try all these suggestions and hopefully get through to someone this week.
0 coins
Gabrielle Dubois
THIS IS WHY I HATE FAFSA!!! They make these stupid mistakes and then make it IMPOSSIBLE to reach them to fix it. The whole system needs to be completely redesigned. It shouldn't be this difficult just to apply for financial aid that we QUALIFY for!
0 coins
Dmitri Volkov
•While I understand your frustration, remember that the 2024-2025 FAFSA has undergone a complete redesign with the new FAFSA Simplification Act. Many of these issues are temporary growing pains as they implement the new system. The new form should ultimately make the process easier with fewer questions and broader eligibility.
0 coins
Tyrone Johnson
After trying all the suggestions here, please update us on what ended up working! It would really help other parents dealing with the same issue. Good luck!
0 coins
Aisha Patel
•Will do! Going to try the direct line tomorrow morning and the feedback center today. If those don't work, I'll try Claimyr as a last resort since fixing SSN issues seems pretty urgent.
0 coins