FAFSA processed but no SAI number showing up for colleges - applications stuck in limbo

This happened to me last year! The problem was that my application was technically "processed" but there was a flag on my account that prevented the SAI from being sent to schools. Call FAFSA again and specifically ask if there are any flags, holds, or verification requirements on your application. In my case, there was an issue with my parents' tax information that needed verification, but nobody bothered to notify me about it.

omg same boat!!! its so frustrating like how am i supposed to decide on a school when i have NO IDEA how much its gonna cost me?? my counselor said to email all the financial aid offices with screenshots showing my fafsa is processed but idk if thats working either

This is a fairly common issue this year with the new FAFSA system. There are a few technical issues you should check: 1. Verify all contributors (parents/stepparents) have completed their portion and e-signed 2. Check that the Data Release Number (DRN) is showing in your account - without this, the SAI won't generate 3. Login to studentaid.gov and make sure all your school codes are correctly listed 4. Review if any verification documents are pending If all these check out, the problem could be in the transmission system between FAFSA and your colleges. You need to speak with a higher-level FSA agent who can check the backend system, not just the customer service representatives who only see the user-facing status.

Try calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243 again but this time ask specifically for a "FAFSA Resolution Specialist" - those are the people who can actually see and fix backend transmission issues. That worked for my daughter last month when she had the exact same problem.

I worked through this same issue with my son's FAFSA last month. After wasting HOURS on hold trying to reach someone at Federal Student Aid, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual agent who could help. They have a service that holds your place in the phone queue and calls you when an agent is about to answer. The agent I reached was able to see that there was actually a data transmission error that was preventing the SAI from being sent to schools, even though the application showed as processed. They fixed it on the spot and within 3 days the colleges had his information. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ

THE ENTIRE FAFSA SYSTEM IS BROKEN THIS YEAR!!! This is happening to THOUSANDS of students and the Department of Education is barely acknowledging it! They rushed out a half-baked "simplified" form that doesn't even WORK PROPERLY!! My daughter is in the same situation - application "processed" but no SAI generated, and now she's going to LOSE SCHOLARSHIPS because she can't commit to a school without knowing costs!! I've filed complaints with my congressional representative, the Department of Education ombudsman, AND the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!!

Quick update for everyone in this situation - I just got off the phone with a Federal Student Aid agent who confirmed they're aware of a specific bug where applications show as processed but the SAI transmission to colleges fails. They're working on a fix, but in the meantime, they can manually override and force-transmit your information if you get to the right department. Ask for the "Application Processing Department" when you call.

not to make things worse but you should also check if ur application is stuck in verification. my son's app showed processed for like 2 months but turns out they were waiting for verification documents but never sent us a notification lol. the whole system is a mess this year

Just to clarify something important: Make sure you understand the difference between your SAI (Student Aid Index) and your FAFSA completion. Your FAFSA can show as processed/completed but that doesn't automatically mean your SAI was calculated and transmitted. When you access your Student Aid Report (SAR), you should specifically see your SAI number listed there. If the SAI is missing from your SAR, that confirms there's a technical issue that needs resolution. If the SAI is present on your SAR but schools aren't receiving it, that's a different transmission problem. Also, contact your schools' financial aid offices and ask if they can make a professional judgment decision to provide you with a preliminary aid package while this gets resolved. Many schools have processes in place for FAFSA system failures this year.