FAFSA phone support impossible to reach - any alternatives to get application help?

OMG same!!! I've been trying for 3 days straight and keep getting the "due to high call volume" message and then CLICK - disconnected! So frustrating!! Did you try calling right when they open? That's my next strategy but idk if it will work either.

The parent income reporting for separated-but-not-divorced situations is actually pretty specific in the FAFSA guidelines. You need to report income for the parent you lived with more during the past 12 months. If you split time equally, then report for the parent who provided more financial support. If that's also equal, then you choose which parent to report. Only include step-parent income if you're reporting the parent they're married to. Hope that helps with part of your question!

bruh the fafsa site literally crashed on me 3 times while I was trying to update my tax info... whole system is garbage

Filing with separated parents is definitely challenging. I've been an aid counselor for 8 years, and this is one of the most common issues students face. Here's what I recommend: 1. Double-check which parent you selected for reporting income - this makes a HUGE difference in your SAI calculation 2. Make sure you're only reporting the required parent's income, not combining both parents 3. Check if you accidentally included retirement contributions or housing allowances in your reported income (these should be excluded) 4. Verify you entered all asset information correctly (investments, business value, etc.) If your SAI still seems incorrect after checking these, you'll definitely need to speak with a FAFSA representative. Unfortunately, the phone lines have been extremely overwhelmed since the new FAFSA simplification changes.

Try using Claimyr to get through to FAFSA. It basically holds your place in line without you having to stay on the phone, then calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration when dealing with my verification issues last month. The site is claimyr.com and they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ that shows how it works. You still get connected to the same Federal Student Aid agents, just without the endless hold time.

anyone else notice how the new "simplified" fafsa is actually MORE confusing?? like i could actually understand the old form better lol

I had really similar parent issue with my FAFSA! My parents aren't divorced but my dad works overseas and mom works here. My financial aid office told me to file a special circumstances form with their office directly explaining the situation. They were able to adjust my aid package after reviewing additional documentation. You should check if your school has a similar process - it's separate from FAFSA but can help fix issues the FAFSA calculation doesn't account for.

If you do get through using the Claimyr service mentioned above, make sure you have all your documentation ready. They'll likely ask for: 1. Your FSA ID 2. Social security number 3. The specific SAI calculation you received 4. Details about your parents' separation status 5. Income documentation for the parent you're reporting Being prepared will make the call much more productive. Also, consider asking if you qualify for a professional judgment review based on your family circumstances.

my friend had to call like 36 times before getting through last semester... system is completely broken

Let us know if that Claimyr thing works!!! I might try it too if it actually helps you get through!

UPDATE: I used the Claimyr service that was recommended and finally got through to a FAFSA agent! The call wait was about 25 minutes (instead of the infinite hold I was getting before). The agent found the issue - turns out there was a glitch where my dad's retirement account was being counted as available assets even though it should have been excluded. They're correcting it and reprocessing my FAFSA. My SAI should drop by about 8500 points, which will make a HUGE difference for aid eligibility. So relieved to have this resolved before scholarship deadlines!