FAFSA processed but SAI score missing - what's the holdup?
So I completed our FAFSA for my daughter's sophomore year about 10 days ago, and the studentaid.gov portal shows 'processed' status but there's STILL no SAI score showing up anywhere. I've checked her account multiple times daily. Tried clicking through every tab and menu option but nothing. How are we supposed to estimate aid without the SAI number?? Is this happening to anyone else with the 2025-2026 application? I'm already dreading having to call and wait on hold for 3 hours next week because the online system is broken... AGAIN. Sorry for venting but this new 'simplified' system seems more frustrating than the old one.
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Amara Nnamani
Same here! Been waiting almost two weeks with a "processed" status but no SAI. The whole redesigned FAFSA is a disaster IMO.
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GalacticGuru
•Glad I'm not alone but sorry you're dealing with this too. Did you try the chat function? I couldn't even get that to connect.
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Giovanni Mancini
The system has been overwhelmed since they launched the new version. Your application is probably fine - the SAI calculation might just be backed up. If your status says "processed" that usually means all your data was received correctly. When my son's application showed this status, his SAI appeared about 2 weeks later without any action on our part.
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GalacticGuru
•Thanks for this! Two MORE weeks though? That's ridiculous when colleges are expecting us to make decisions soon. Did your son's schools get the information even before the SAI showed up on studentaid.gov?
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Giovanni Mancini
•Yes, actually! His schools received the ISIR (Institutional Student Information Record) a few days before the SAI appeared on the portal. You might want to check with your daughter's financial aid offices to see if they've received her data yet.
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Fatima Al-Suwaidi
I went through this exact thing last month and wasted SO MUCH TIME trying to get through to someone. The automated system kept disconnecting me after 45+ minutes on hold. Tried for THREE DAYS STRAIGHT. Finally used Claimyr.com and got through to an actual FSA agent in about 20 minutes. They confirmed my application was fine and the SAI was actually calculated but just not displaying due to a known glitch. You can see their video demo at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ to see how it works. Saved me so much frustration.
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Dylan Cooper
•those claimyr people should get a medal lol. used them last year for tax issue with irs and now everyone in my family uses it when we need to call govt agencies
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GalacticGuru
•Thanks for the suggestion! I'll check it out if nothing changes by Monday. Did the agent say how long the glitch would last or did they have to manually fix it for you?
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Sofia Morales
Financial aid counselor here. This is a known issue affecting many 2025-2026 FAFSA filers. The Department of Education is working on it, but meanwhile, I can explain what's happening: 1. Your application is likely fully processed in the system 2. The calculation for the SAI has been completed on the backend 3. The display/delivery system for showing the SAI to students is experiencing technical difficulties Colleges and universities can often still see and access your SAI even when you can't. I recommend contacting your daughter's school's financial aid office directly and asking if they've received her ISIR with the SAI calculation. Many schools have this information already and can share it with you.
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GalacticGuru
•Thank you so much for this clear explanation! That makes sense. I'll call her university's financial aid office tomorrow morning. It's crazy that they can see info that we can't access about our own application.
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StarSailor
JUST had this exact issue and eventually found out my SAI was actually visible on the mobile app but not the website!!! Try downloading the myStudentAid app if you haven't already - my SAI showed up there even though the website still didn't display it. Super annoying but worth checking.
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GalacticGuru
•What!! I never would have thought to check the app. Just downloaded it and logged in - you're right! The SAI is showing there but not on the website. It's $4,352 which is higher than I expected but at least now we know. THANK YOU!
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StarSailor
•You're welcome! Yeah the disconnect between the app and website drove me crazy too. At least now you can move forward with your daughter's planning. Good luck with everything!
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Dmitry Ivanov
I think the hole system is rigged anyway. My nephews SAI came back at 9700 even though his parents make less than 55k a year combined. How is that fair??? The formula makes no sense and now they cant even display the numbers right.
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Ava Garcia
•The SAI calculation factors in a lot more than just income - assets, family size, number in college, etc. But you're right that the new formula has been producing some unexpected results for many families. Your nephew's parents should definitely appeal that SAI with his schools if it seems unreasonably high based on their circumstances.
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Amara Nnamani
Update 4 anyone following: Just got our SAI this morning on the website (3 weeks after submission). Weirdly got no email notification or anything. Just randomly checked and there it was. So maybe just keep waiting???
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GalacticGuru
•Thanks for the update! I can see mine in the app now but still not showing on website. This whole system feels so disorganized. Glad yours finally appeared though!
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