FAFSA parent without SSN - stuck creating second parent account

i had this exact problem with my dad last year. you're not supposed to create an FSA ID for your stepmom at all! parents without SSNs CAN'T get FSA IDs, which is super dumb. instead YOU (the student) have to enter their info in your application - there should be a section asking if your parent has an SSN where you select 'no' and then it asks for the ARN number instead

The previous commenter is correct. For the 2025-2026 FAFSA, parents without SSNs should NOT create an FSA ID. Here's the proper procedure: 1. On the parent information section, indicate your parent does not have an SSN 2. You'll then be prompted to enter their Alien Registration Number (A-Number) 3. For the signature process, instead of an electronic signature, you'll need to print a signature page for this parent 4. Have your parent physically sign this page 5. Mail it to the address provided or upload a scanned copy This is one of the most confusing parts of the FAFSA application for families with non-citizen parents. Your aid won't be affected as long as you complete this process correctly.

My mom doesnt have SSN either, we just put all zeros in that field and it worked fine lol

The fafsa system is such garbage this year!!!! they completely redesigned it and now no one can figure out how to do anything. I spent 6 HOURS on hold trying to get help with the same issue for my mom who's on a work visa. When I finally got through the agent had no idea what to do either. This whole thing is a joke.

I had this issue with my dad (permanent resident, no SSN) for the 2025-26 FAFSA and finally got it resolved. Here's what worked: - Do NOT try to create an FSA ID for the parent without an SSN - it's impossible - In the contributor section, select the option that your parent doesn't have an SSN - Complete all their information including ARN where prompted - When you get to the signature part, there will be an option that says "My parent is unable to sign electronically" - This generates a signature page you can print - After submitting your FAFSA, have your parent sign this page and mail it in One tip: Make sure your stepmom's name is EXACTLY the same as on her green card, including any middle names or hyphens. Even small differences can cause processing delays. If you're struggling to get help from FSA, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They got me connected to an actual FSA agent in about 10 minutes when I was stuck on this exact issue. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ

I work in a college financial aid office, and I can confirm what others have said. Parents without SSNs cannot create FSA IDs, but they can still be contributors on your FAFSA. You'll need to use the signature page option. One important note: Make sure you're entering the A-Number correctly - it should include the letter "A" followed by 8 or 9 digits. Some students forget to include the "A" which causes processing delays. Also, if you're mailing the signature page, I recommend sending it with tracking so you have proof it was delivered. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days after they receive it.

Enter it exactly as A123456789 - no dashes or spaces. The FAFSA system will reject it if you include any special characters or spaces.

dont stress too much about the deadline. I submitted mine like 3 weeks after our state deadline and still got all the aid. they say those dates are firm but theres usually wiggle room.

UPDATE: It worked! I followed the advice here and found the option to indicate my stepmom doesn't have an SSN. The system then asked for her A-Number and later gave me a signature page option. Just mailed in the signed form yesterday with tracking as suggested. Thanks everyone for your help! This forum saved me from completely missing out on financial aid because of one confusing technical issue.

As someone who went through this exact same nightmare last year, I'm so glad you got it sorted out! The FAFSA system really needs better instructions for families with non-citizen parents - it's ridiculous how many students get stuck on this. One small tip for anyone else reading this: when you're waiting for the signature page to be processed, you can still submit your FAFSA to schools. They'll just mark it as "incomplete" until FSA processes the signature, but at least you'll be in their system and won't lose your place in line for aid consideration. Most schools are understanding about this delay since it's such a common issue. Fingers crossed your aid package comes through soon! 🤞