FAFSA parent signature page stuck - can't submit after completing all sections

Yes! This happened to me too, but I found a fix. There's a weird bug in the system where if you have any special characters (like &, /, etc.) in any text field, the signature page can't process it. Go back through both applications and check for any special characters in address fields, employers, or explanatory text boxes. Replace them with plain text, save each section again (even if you're not changing anything else), then try the signature page again. That worked for me after being stuck for weeks.

we had same problem but differnt fix. u need to clear ur CACHE and COOKIES not just refresh. then log out completely and wait 24 hrs b4 logging back in. the system needs to reset somthing on there end. worked for us after being stuck 3 weeks

I work in our university's financial aid office, and we've seen this issue affect multiple families this application cycle. The problem stems from the new system architecture that was implemented for the 2025-2026 FAFSA Simplification Act changes. Besides the suggestions already mentioned, here are some additional troubleshooting steps that have worked for our students' families: 1. Make sure both parent and student FSA IDs are properly linked to their Social Security numbers in the system 2. Try accessing the site between 2am-5am ET when server traffic is lowest 3. Check that your tax information transfer from the IRS actually completed successfully 4. Ensure parent and student sections show 100% complete (not 99% or any other number) 5. Try using a completely different email address to create a new parent FSA ID as a last resort If none of these work, you unfortunately do need to speak with a Federal Student Aid agent directly, as they may need to manually review your application.

lol why are we surprised the govt cant build a working website after spending millions on it? same thing happened with healthcare.gov launch. they never learn and we suffer. good luck getting actual help from anyone!!! 🤬

After dealing with a similar nightmare (couldn't submit for weeks), I finally got through to an actual FSA agent using Claimyr.com. It connected me to a real person at FSA within about 15 minutes instead of the usual 2+ hour wait. The agent identified that there was a data mismatch between my tax records and what I entered manually that was blocking the signature page. They were able to override something on their end, and I could finally submit. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ. Seriously saved my sanity after weeks of frustration.

I had this EXACT problem but with my triplets applications!! The spinning circle of death on the signature page made me want to throw my computer! What finally worked was completely counterintuitive - I had to use Internet Explorer (not Edge, the actual old IE browser). For some reason the signature page worked there when it failed on every modern browser. Worth a try if you haven't fixed it yet.

I successfully resolved this issue for both my kids' applications last month. The key was timing. The signature system seems to get overloaded during peak hours (evenings and weekends). I logged in at 4:30 AM on a Tuesday, and both applications processed the signatures immediately without any issues. This was after weeks of the same problem you're describing. Also, make sure you're using a stable wired internet connection rather than WiFi if possible. The signature verification step seems particularly sensitive to connection stability. The good news is that once you get past this hurdle, the processing time has been quick - both my kids received their SAI calculations within 5 business days after submission.

I'm so glad to see this thread helped you get your applications submitted! As someone who just went through this same nightmare, I wanted to add one more tip that might help future families dealing with this issue. If you're still stuck after trying all these suggestions, check if you have any browser extensions running (ad blockers, password managers, etc.). I discovered that my privacy-focused browser extension was blocking some JavaScript that the signature page needed to function properly. Once I disabled it temporarily for the FAFSA site, everything worked normally. Also, for anyone reading this later - document everything! Take screenshots of error messages and keep records of when you tried different solutions. If you end up needing to speak with FSA support, having this documentation really helps them troubleshoot faster. The system definitely has issues, but don't give up. There's almost always a workaround, even if it takes some creative problem-solving!