FAFSA parent contributor section keeps looping back - can't complete asset section or sign!

Omg I'm having THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM with my daughter's application right now!!! It gets to the asset section and just keeps sending me back to the beginning of the parent info every single time. So frustrating!! Did you try calling the Federal Student Aid helpline? I've been trying but keep getting disconnected after waiting 45+ minutes 😡

This happened to us too! For us, it was because we were entering commas in the asset fields. Try entering just numbers with no commas or dollar signs. That finally worked for us.

I work at a college financial aid office, and we've seen this issue frequently with the new FAFSA system. Here are some troubleshooting steps that have worked for others: 1. Make sure you're using the most updated version of your browser 2. Try using incognito/private browsing mode 3. Check that the parent's name, DOB, and SSN exactly match what's on their Social Security card 4. If you're using autofill or password managers, try turning those off 5. Make sure Java and JavaScript are enabled in your browser 6. Confirm your FSA ID is fully verified (check email for verification links) If none of these work, you may need to get through to FSA directly as there could be a data mismatch or system flag on your application.

Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to FAFSA? I was hitting the same issue with my parent contributor section and spent days trying to reach someone. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in like 15 minutes instead of endless holds and disconnects. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent was able to check my account and found that there was some kind of flag on it because my address formats didn't match exactly between sections. They fixed it on their end and I was able to complete it right after. Worth a try if you're still stuck!

it could b a browser compatibility issue. try using microsoft edge, thats what finally worked for me after safari kept doing that stupid loop thing. also make sure ur not using a vpn cuz sometimes govt websites block those

This is a known issue with the parent contributor section in the redesigned FAFSA for 2025-2026. The key technical problem is often related to how the system validates certain fields: 1. For the asset section specifically, enter whole dollar amounts only (no cents, commas, or dollar signs) 2. The parent personal information must EXACTLY match what's on file with the Social Security Administration 3. Check if any error messages appear briefly before the page redirects (sometimes they flash too quickly to read) 4. Try accessing the system during off-peak hours (early morning or late night) 5. Ensure all required fields have values - enter '0' instead of leaving fields blank If all else fails, you can request a paper FAFSA form as a last resort, though processing times are much longer.

lololol welcome to FAFSA hell! I've been dealing with this garbage for 3 kids now and every year they find new ways to make it impossible. Last year it was the FSA ID verification loops, this year it's the contributor section. Next year they'll probably require blood samples and your childhood pet's middle name 🙄

Update: I finally got through! For anyone else having this problem, I found out it was because my address had an apartment number in a format the system didn't like. Instead of 'Apt 4B' I had to write it as 'Apartment 4B' spelled out completely. Ridiculous but it worked! No more loops after I fixed that.

Did you try completing the parent section in one sitting without saving and coming back? I've heard from several people that the system gets confused if you save and try to return later - something about session cookies not properly saving your progress.

UPDATE: Problem solved! It was a combination of issues. First, I was using commas in the financial fields. Second, I was trying to save and come back later which seemed to confuse the system. Third, there was a mismatch in how I formatted my address in different sections. I created a brand new application, sat down for an hour uninterrupted, entered everything in one session, used only numbers without any formatting, and triple-checked that address formats matched exactly between sections. It FINALLY let me complete the parent contributor portion and sign! Thank you everyone for your suggestions. For anyone else dealing with this issue, try all of these approaches - it might be multiple small problems combined.

Congratulations on finally getting through! This is such a helpful summary for anyone else dealing with this nightmare. I'm bookmarking your update because it covers all the main issues people seem to be running into. The fact that it was multiple small problems combined makes so much sense - the new FAFSA system seems incredibly sensitive to formatting inconsistencies. Really appreciate you taking the time to share what ultimately worked!