FAFSA processed but SAI calculation missing - what's our next step?
My son's FAFSA was processed last week, but there's a problem - they couldn't calculate the Student Aid Index (SAI). I've logged into studentaid.gov and checked the form thoroughly, but it doesn't show any errors or ask for corrections. The status just says "processed" with no SAI number. We need this figured out ASAP since his college financial aid packages depend on it! Has anyone else run into this issue? I'm not sure if we should submit a correction anyway, call the Federal Student Aid office, or just wait. I'm really worried this will delay his aid offers for Fall 2025.
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Chad Winthrope
the SAME thing happened with my daughter's application!! we waited 2 weeks thinking it would update, but nothing changed. turns out there was an income verification issue that wasnt flagged properly in the system. You DEF need to call FSA directly - don't wait!
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Ellie Lopez
•Thank you! Did you just call the main FSA number? I've tried twice already and got disconnected after waiting 45+ minutes each time.
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Paige Cantoni
There are a few issues that can cause this. The most common ones I've seen: 1. Income verification issues (as mentioned) 2. Citizenship verification problems 3. Parent/contributor information mismatches 4. Social Security Number verification errors In my experience working with students, it's almost always one of these four issues. You'll need to speak with someone at FSA to identify which specific problem is affecting your application. Unfortunately, they won't tell you this in the online portal.
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Ellie Lopez
•This is really helpful! I'm wondering if it might be the parent information mismatch since his dad and I filed taxes separately last year. I'll definitely try to reach FSA again.
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Kylo Ren
I had this EXACT problem and wasted THREE WEEKS trying to call the regular FSA number with no luck. Finally used Claimyr.com to get through - they connect you with an agent without the wait time. Just watched their demo (https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ) and was talking to someone at FSA in like 15 minutes. In my case, there was a discrepancy with my son's SSN that didn't get flagged properly. They fixed it right away once I actually got to talk to someone.
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Nina Fitzgerald
•does that service really work? im skeptical of anything that claims to bypass govt phone lines lol
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Kylo Ren
•It worked for me! Totally understand the skepticism though. I was desperate after multiple disconnects and found it through a financial aid advisor at my son's school. Much better than waiting on hold for hours only to get disconnected again.
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Jason Brewer
There are other issues that could cause this too, I work in financial aid. Sometimes the system doesnt properly process applications with special circumstances. Examples: - Did your income significantly change from what's on your tax forms? - Are there any special family situations (divorce finalized recently, etc) - Did you receive any untaxed income that might not be showing up correctly Youd be SHOCKED how often the system just doesnt calculate an SAI with zero explanation.
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Ellie Lopez
•We did have a significant income change after my husband lost his job, but we documented that in the special circumstances section. I'm going to keep trying to reach someone at FSA - seems like that's the only way to figure this out. Thanks for all this insight!
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Kiara Fisherman
whatever u do, DON'T resubmit a new FAFSA!! my brother did that and it completely reset everything and caused a huge mess that took months to fix. u definitely need to talk to FSA directly to find the specific problem.
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Ellie Lopez
•Oh wow, thanks for the warning! I was actually considering just starting over with a new application. Definitely won't do that now.
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Liam Cortez
After trying for weeks to reach someone at FSA about a similar issue, I finally got through using Claimyr (claimyr.com). The agent told me there was a flag on my daughter's application that wasn't showing up on the portal. Apparently this happens quite often with the new FAFSA. They were able to resolve it during the call, and her SAI was calculated within 48 hours. The video demo shows exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ
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Ellie Lopez
•Thank you for sharing this! I'm going to try calling one more time tomorrow morning, and if that doesn't work, I'll look into this service. We're getting close to her school's priority deadline so I'm getting desperate.
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Chad Winthrope
any updates??? did u get through to someone? my friend is having the same issue now and im curious what happened
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Ellie Lopez
•Success! Finally got through to FSA this morning after trying that Claimyr service someone recommended above. Turns out there was a mismatch between how my name was entered on the FAFSA and how it appears in the tax system (I go by my middle name, but my legal first name is on my taxes). The agent fixed it while I was on the phone, and they said the SAI should be calculated within 3-5 business days. Such a relief!
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