FAFSA parent portal stuck with blinking blue dot - Safari browser issue?

OMG SAME ISSUE!!! Been dealing with this for 3 days now and still can't get past that stupid blue dot. Tried calling the FAFSA number about 12 times but keep getting disconnected or told the wait time is over 2 hours. This is so frustrating when we're trying to meet the priority deadline!

try chrome! safari has weird issues with the fafsa site sometimes. happened to me too

This is a known issue with Safari and the latest FAFSA portal update. The parent contribution forms use a different JavaScript framework than the student section, which is why your son's part worked fine but yours is having problems. Here's what you can do: 1. Try using Chrome or Firefox instead 2. Clear your Safari cache completely (not just cookies) 3. Make sure Safari's JavaScript settings are fully enabled 4. Try using private/incognito mode in any browser 5. If you're using any ad blockers or privacy extensions, disable them for studentaid.gov If none of those work, you might need to try from a different device altogether. The mobile site sometimes works when the desktop version is having issues.

After literally HOURS of dealing with the same blue dot problem, I finally reached someone at Federal Student Aid who helped me fix this. Turns out it was a combo of Safari + ad blockers + the way they implemented the parent portal. If you're still struggling to get someone on the phone, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I found their service after nearly giving up - they got me connected to an actual FAFSA agent in about 10 minutes when I'd been trying for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ Once I got through, the agent told me they've had lots of reports about Safari issues and walked me through some specific browser settings to fix it. Might be worth trying to speak with them directly if the other suggestions don't work.

@profile8 It worked for me! I was skeptical too, but I was desperate after trying to call for days. Not sketchy at all - they just connect you to the actual FAFSA phone line but somehow bypass the wait. The agent I spoke with was definitely a real FSA employee.

This happens EVERY YEAR with FAFSA!! Im so sick of the technical glitches with this system. My daughter is a sophomore now and I swear every time theres a new problem. They completely redesigned the system for 2025-26 and somehow made it WORSE then before. Safari has alwasy had issues with FAFSA but this blue dot thing is new. Good luck!!

UPDATE: Chrome worked! For anyone else having this issue, here's what I did: 1. Downloaded Chrome browser 2. Logged in with my FSA ID 3. Turned off my ad blocker extension 4. Cleared cookies/cache first just to be safe The parent contribution forms loaded immediately - no blue dot! Now I'm working through the application without issues. Thanks everyone for your help!

I've been helping families with FAFSA for years, and the browser compatibility issues are unfortunately common. For the 2025-26 application specifically, here are some tips: - Chrome and Edge work best with the new system - Safari has known issues with the parent portal specifically - Firefox works most of the time but can have issues with the income verification sections - Using mobile browsers (even on tablets) often causes formatting problems If you continue having issues, remember that you can also schedule an appointment with a FAFSA advisor through your student's college financial aid office. They often have direct access tools to help with technical problems.

is anyone else's blue dot stuck at the contribution calculator part? mine gets to that section then freezes every time even in chrome

@profile8 The SAI (Student Aid Index) calculator section is particularly resource-intensive. If you're experiencing freezing at that specific point, try these troubleshooting steps: 1. Use incognito/private browsing mode 2. Close all other browser tabs and applications 3. Ensure your browser is updated to the latest version 4. Try a different time of day (the system is often overloaded during evening hours) If none of those work, you may need to call FSA directly as there could be a data mismatch issue with your specific application.