FAFSA parent section errors won't save despite multiple corrections - system glitch?

same thing happening to me!!! the parent section keeps showing errors no matter how many times i fix it. so frustrating 😡

This is actually a known issue with the new FAFSA system that's affecting quite a few people. The parent contribution section has a bug where certain responses aren't being properly validated in the database, especially if you have multiple dependents or unusual tax situations. Here's what worked for me after facing the same issue: 1. Clear all browser cookies and cache completely (not just for that site) 2. Log out of studentaid.gov entirely 3. Wait at least 24 hours before attempting again 4. When you log back in, do NOT use the "correct FAFSA" option - instead select "Start New FAFSA" but when prompted, choose to continue your existing application 5. Complete the parent section in one continuous session without saving and coming back The system seems to get confused when you make partial corrections or take too long between sections. If this still doesn't work, you may need to get a case escalation.

lol welcome to fasfa hell ive been dealing with this garbage for 3 years now. the whole system is broken and nobody cares. good luck getting any real help from their support people either

I've seen this specific error pattern several times at the financial aid office where I volunteer. The "parent section error loop" has been especially common this application cycle. Beyond the excellent technical troubleshooting already suggested, I recommend these additional steps if those don't work: 1. Take screenshots of each completed parent section before submitting 2. Document the exact error messages you receive 3. Check if any of your answers contain special characters (like hyphens in phone numbers or apostrophes in names) which can sometimes trigger the validation error 4. Verify your FSA ID credentials are fully set up and confirmed 5. Ensure the parent completing this section is the same one who created the FSA ID associated with the application The Federal Student Aid Information Center can escalate your case, but reaching them by phone has been exceptionally difficult lately. Consider scheduling a virtual appointment with your school's financial aid office - they often have direct channels to resolve these technical issues.

Have you tried using Claimyr to actually get through to an FSA agent? I was stuck in FAFSA limbo for weeks with a similar error loop issue. Called the regular number like 20 times and kept getting disconnected. Then someone recommended Claimyr (claimyr.com) and I got through to a real person in about 10 minutes who escalated my case. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent was able to see that my application was getting flagged by their system as potentially fraudulent because I was making so many corrections in a short timeframe. They had to manually override something on their end.

FASFA SUCKS SO BAD THIS YEAR!! The whole rollout of the "simplified" form has been a DISASTER!!! My daughter and I went through almost exactly what you're describing. We ended up having to delete the whole application and start completely from scratch. Wasted like a month of time. The worst part is schools kept sending us notices about missing our priority deadline but it WAS NOT OUR FAULT!!!!!

This sounds like the parent section validation bug they confirmed in their January update. My situation was similar but I think I know why your fix attempts aren't sticking. When you're making corrections, are you using the same device each time? There seems to be a synchronization issue between their web and mobile interfaces. I had to: 1. Use ONLY a desktop computer (not mobile at all) 2. Complete the parent section at a specific time (early morning seemed to work better - less server load) 3. Double-check that both you and your parent's FSA IDs are properly linked 4. Make sure your parent's legal name matches EXACTLY what's on their Social Security card (including spaces, hyphens, etc.) They're supposedly rolling out a patch for this in the next system update. If you still can't get through, ask for a manual review - they can override the validation error.

did u try calling during non-peak hours? i finally got through at like 6:55am right when they opened and the person told me to login through the website (not the app!) and use edge browser specifically. still took like 3 tries but it finally worked

UPDATE: You guys have been amazing with all these suggestions! I tried a combination of approaches: 1. Cleared all browser data completely 2. Waited 24 hours before trying again 3. Used Edge browser on desktop only (no phone) 4. Started early morning (5:30am) when server load was low 5. Removed all special characters from entries 6. Completed the entire parent section in one sitting without saving drafts AND IT FINALLY WORKED! Application status now shows "Processing" instead of errors. Can't believe how complicated this was, but so relieved it's finally submitted correctly. For anyone else stuck in this nightmare - don't give up! Try these technical fixes and if all else fails, definitely look into getting direct help by phone using the suggestion above.

Wow, what a journey! As someone who's just starting the FAFSA process for my daughter, this thread is both terrifying and incredibly helpful. I'm bookmarking all these troubleshooting steps before I even begin - especially the part about using only desktop, avoiding special characters, and completing everything in one session. It's ridiculous that we need a technical manual just to fill out a financial aid form, but I'm so grateful you all shared your solutions. McKenzie, congrats on finally getting through the system! Your persistence paid off and helped so many others in the process.