FAFSA parent section shows 'not submitted' - will this delay my son's financial aid?
I'm so frustrated with the new FAFSA system! We completed my son's application last week, including all the parent contribution information (tax returns, assets, etc.), but when I check the status, it shows the parent section as 'not submitted or processed' even though we definitely filled it out and clicked submit. We're not planning to take out any Parent PLUS loans, just wanting him to qualify for grants and his own student loans. Will this incomplete status hold up his entire application? His college's priority deadline is next week and I'm worried his financial aid package will be delayed because of this glitch. Has anyone else had this issue with the parent contributor section?
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Jungleboo Soletrain
This happened to me with my daughter's application. The parent contributor section showed as 'not submitted' for almost 10 days even though we completed it. Turns out there was a processing delay on FAFSA's end. Her SAI score and application were eventually sent to her schools without us doing anything additional. I'd recommend taking a screenshot of the completed parent section just in case, but it should process eventually.
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Anna Xian
•Thank you! That's somewhat reassuring. Did her financial aid offers come in on time? That's what I'm worried about - his school makes aid packages on a first-come, first-served basis for some scholarships.
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Rajan Walker
The 'not submitted' status usually means one of three things: 1. The parent section wasn't fully completed - sometimes there are hidden questions that appear based on earlier answers 2. There was a submission error that didn't save your final changes 3. There's a processing delay on FSA's side (which is very common this year) To be safe, log back in and verify all parent contribution questions are answered. Look specifically for the parent FSA ID connection - that's causing many issues. If everything looks complete, call Federal Student Aid to verify they received your information. Their system is experiencing significant delays processing parent contributor information this cycle.
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Anna Xian
•I double-checked and everything looks complete including the FSA ID connection. I've tried calling FSA three times but can't get through - just endless holds and then disconnects. Is there any other way to confirm they have our information?
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Nadia Zaldivar
schools dont care abt parent section being marked as procssed or not, just that the SAI (student aid index) gets calculated. as long as ur son can see his SAI number, colleges can make fin aid offers.
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Anna Xian
•The problem is we don't see an SAI score yet. Just says "processing" and the parent section shows not submitted. That's why I'm concerned the schools won't get what they need.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
I was having the EXACT same problem!! Been calling FSA for TWO WEEKS trying to get someone to help me understand why our parent section wasn't processing!!! My daughter's financial aid was getting delayed and we were SO STRESSED because her university needed the info by March 1st!! The system is COMPLETELY broken this year!!!
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Anna Xian
•Oh no! What did you end up doing? Did it ever get resolved?
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Lukas Fitzgerald
We FINALLY got it fixed yesterday!! After literally 20+ calls trying to reach someone! The agent said there was a system flag on our application because my husband and I filed taxes separately and the system couldn't match our tax info properly. They had to manually override something. Such a nightmare!!
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Anna Xian
•Thank you for sharing that. We file jointly so hopefully it's not that specific issue, but it does sound like talking to an agent is the only solution. Just wish I could actually reach someone!
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Ev Luca
If you need to reach FSA quickly, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in the same boat last month - couldn't get through after days of trying. Used their service and got connected to an agent in about 15 minutes instead of waiting for hours. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ. The agent was able to see that my parent section was actually received but had a processing error they fixed on their end.
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Anna Xian
•I've never heard of that service before, but I'm desperate at this point so I'll check it out. Thank you!
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Avery Davis
just wanted to say good luck! this whole new FAFSA process is the worst. my nephew's application has been pending for like 2 months now 😩
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Anna Xian
•Thanks! It's definitely been a frustrating experience compared to when we did this for our older daughter three years ago.
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Collins Angel
To answer your original question directly - YES, if the parent section isn't processed, it will absolutely delay your son's financial aid. Schools cannot generate an aid package without a completed FAFSA that includes a calculated SAI score, which requires processed parent information (unless your son qualifies for independent status). I recommend: 1. Use the Contact Us form on StudentAid.gov 2. Email your son's financial aid office explaining the situation 3. Ask the school if they can make a preliminary assessment based on last year's information while you resolve the FAFSA issue Many schools will work with you if they know you're actively trying to resolve FAFSA technical issues. Document everything!
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Anna Xian
•Thank you for the clear explanation and advice. I'll definitely contact his school tomorrow to explain the situation.
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Jungleboo Soletrain
Update to my earlier comment - I should clarify that while our parent section eventually processed automatically, it did take almost two weeks. If your deadline is next week, you probably do need to be more proactive than we were. Contacting the school is definitely a good idea.
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Anna Xian
•I appreciate the follow-up. Two weeks would definitely miss the priority deadline.
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Anna Xian
UPDATE: I used Claimyr this morning and actually got through to FSA! The agent found that there was a mismatch between how my name appears on my tax return versus how I entered it in my FSA ID. They fixed it right there and said the parent section should process within 3-5 business days. I also called my son's school financial aid office, and they said they'll make a note in his file about the FAFSA technical issue so his application won't lose priority status. Thank you everyone for your help!
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Rajan Walker
•Great news! That name mismatch issue is surprisingly common this year with the new system. Glad you got it resolved and that the school is being understanding about the delay.
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