FAFSA parent contribution signature stuck in endless loop - can't complete section

same thing happened to me! had to use my daughter's laptop with her sitting next to me to finally get it to work. the website is terrible.

This is a known issue with the parent signature portion on the new FAFSA. The system specifically has trouble when you're using certain browsers or if there's a mismatch between the information you're entering and what's on file with the IRS. Here's what I suggest: 1. Make sure your name, SSN, and birthdate EXACTLY match what's on your tax return 2. Try using Firefox (it seems to have fewer issues with the signature page) 3. Make sure you're not using any ad blockers or privacy extensions when accessing the site 4. Try completing it between 8-10pm Eastern when server traffic is lower If none of those work, you might have a data validation issue that requires calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center.

the fafsa is completly broken this year!! my daughter had to submit FOUR TIMES before it actually went through. and now she got selected for verification even tho we used the data transfer from irs! such a mess and waste of time

I fixed this exact issue last week after dealing with it for days! The solution was unexpected but worked perfectly. The problem is with how the FAFSA system validates parent contributors when there's a specific sequence of actions. The fix: have your son log in first, go to the parent contribution section, then click "Edit." Then *without closing that window*, open a new browser tab, go to studentaid.gov directly, and log in with your FSA ID. Navigate to the contribution section from there. For some reason, having both sessions active simultaneously breaks the loop. The theory is that it forces the system to properly validate your contributor status instead of getting stuck in the verification cycle. If that doesn't work, you might be experiencing the known "signature validation error" that requires calling FSA directly.

have u tried turning on pop up settings? my wifes computer wouldnt let her sign cause pop ups were blocked and the signature thing is a popup i think

I spent THREE DAYS fighting with this exact issue last month. After trying everything you mentioned plus calling the regular support line (useless), I finally found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual FSA agent in about 15 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. The agent was able to unlock something on their end that fixed the signature loop. Apparently it's a known issue where the system doesn't properly recognize the connection between the student and parent accounts. They had to manually verify my identity and link my account to my son's application. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ and their site is claimyr.com. Seriously saved my sanity and my son's financial aid package - the agent walked me through the whole signature process while on the phone.

Financial aid advisor here. This signature loop issue is unfortunately common this cycle with the revised FAFSA system. Beyond the technical troubleshooting already suggested, here are some additional options: 1. The signature issues often stem from identity verification problems. Ensure your FSA ID was created at least 3 days before attempting to sign the FAFSA (it takes time for the SSA verification). 2. If you've recently changed any personal information (name, address, etc.), this can cause validation errors with the FAFSA signature system. 3. Try completing the signature during non-peak hours (early morning or late evening). 4. As a last resort, you can request a signature page by mail. Look for the "Request a Signature Page" option, which will generate a PDF you can print, sign physically, and mail in. If your son's priority deadline is approaching, I recommend having him contact his school's financial aid office immediately. They can often place a hold on his application while these technical issues are resolved, so he doesn't miss out on priority funding.

its probably your internet connection, i had to go to starbucks and use their wifi to get mine to work lol. something about home networks and the security on the fafsa site dont get along

Quick update from me - I've been helping multiple families with this same issue. The FSA has acknowledged this is a widespread problem specifically affecting parent contributors. They've identified three main causes: 1. Browser compatibility issues (Firefox works best) 2. Parent FSA ID verification delays with the Social Security Administration 3. Server overload during peak hours If you've waited the 3 days for SSA verification and tried the browser solutions, contacting them directly is your best bet. Unfortunately, their phone lines are completely overwhelmed right now with the new system problems.

UPDATE: Success! I finally got it to work using a combination of suggestions from this thread. What worked for me was: 1. Using Firefox (not Chrome) 2. Disabling my ad blocker 3. Using my son's laptop while he was logged in on his phone 4. Completing it at 6:30am when server traffic was low For anyone else struggling with this issue, try different combinations of browsers/devices/times. And definitely contact your student's financial aid office to let them know about the technical problems - my son's school said they're aware of the issues and are being flexible with parent contribution deadlines. Thank you all for the helpful suggestions!

So relieved to see you got it working! I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now and have been pulling my hair out for days. Going to try your combination approach - Firefox + no ad blocker + early morning timing. The fact that using your son's laptop while he was logged in on his phone worked is really interesting - makes me wonder if there's some kind of session validation issue happening. Thanks for sharing your successful solution, this gives me hope that I can get through this nightmare too!

This entire thread has been so helpful! I'm a new parent going through this process for the first time and was starting to panic thinking I was doing something wrong. My daughter's FAFSA has been sitting incomplete for two weeks because of this exact signature loop issue. Reading through everyone's experiences and solutions gives me a clear action plan to try. I'm going to start with the Firefox + ad blocker disabled + early morning approach that worked for Sophie, and if that fails, I'll try the dual session method with my daughter. It's frustrating that such an important system has these kinds of technical problems, but at least now I know I'm not alone and there are actual solutions that work. Thank you all for sharing your experiences!

Just wanted to add another data point for anyone still struggling with this - I had the exact same signature loop problem and what finally worked for me was clearing ALL browser data (not just cache and cookies) and then restarting my computer completely before trying again. I think there might be some kind of session conflict that gets stored locally. Also, make sure you're not using any VPN or proxy services when accessing the FAFSA site - I discovered my work VPN was causing authentication issues. The combination of a completely clean browser state + direct internet connection + Firefox during off-peak hours got me through on the first try after that. Hope this helps someone else who's tried everything else!