FAFSA rejected my son's SSN and won't let us update it - system error?

Oh yeah, had the EXACT same problem with my daughter's application last month! The system somehow changed her SSN to something completely different after submission. Called FSA for FOUR DAYS straight and kept getting disconnected. Finally got through and they told me it was a known glitch in their system that happens sometimes when their verification process has an error. They had to manually reset something on their end.

same here!! my twins both had this happen and the numbers were like completely random. so frustrating!!!

This is actually a recognized system issue that's been occurring more frequently with the 2025-2026 FAFSA. The problem occurs during the SSN verification process with the Social Security Administration. Here's how to resolve it: 1. Do NOT create a new application - this will flag your account for potential fraud 2. You need to speak directly with a FAFSA specialist who can perform a manual override 3. Have your son's actual SSN card available when you call 4. Be prepared to verify identity with additional documentation The issue typically takes 2-3 business days to resolve once you connect with a specialist. Since you mentioned a deadline in 3 weeks, you should have sufficient time if you address this immediately.

why dont u just start over with a new application? seems easier than dealing with their stupid phone system lol

I had to deal with this exact problem when helping my nephew with his FAFSA last month. After spending days trying to get through on the regular FSA number, I discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me skip the phone queue and got me connected to an actual FSA agent in about 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent was able to see that the SSN verification system had a glitch and put in an immediate correction request. My nephew's application was fixed within 48 hours. Might be worth a try since you're dealing with a deadline.

STUPID FAFSA SYSTEM!!! They did the SAME THING to my sister's application and she MISSED HER DEADLINE because they took so long to fix it. The schools need to stop making these ridiculously early priority deadlines when the gov's system is so broken!!!! 😡😡😡

i think i had this happen too but i dont remember what the fix was. something about verifying identity? my kid's counselor had to help us.

Hi there! Financial aid counselor here. This SSN verification error is becoming more common with the new FAFSA processing system. A few important points: 1. This is a known issue with the FSA-SSA verification interface, not something you did wrong 2. The fastest resolution is calling FSA directly and requesting an "SSN verification override" - make sure to use those exact words 3. Document all communication - get confirmation numbers and agent names 4. If your deadline is approaching, contact your son's college financial aid office IMMEDIATELY and request a priority deadline extension due to a "FAFSA system error" - most schools are aware of these issues and will accommodate 5. Don't create a new application - this will only complicate things further I've seen this resolved in as little as 24 hours when handled correctly.

UPDATE: Finally got this resolved! Used Claimyr to get through to FSA (seriously, saved me hours of wait time), and the agent confirmed it was indeed a system glitch with their verification process. Had to provide his actual SSN and some identity verification, and they submitted an override. Got an email this morning that the correction has been processed and his application is now moving forward. For anyone else dealing with this - definitely call rather than trying to fix it online, and make sure to use the phrase "SSN verification override" like someone suggested here. Thanks everyone for your help!

I'm so relieved to see this thread! I'm currently dealing with the exact same issue with my daughter's FAFSA - her SSN got completely scrambled in the system after we submitted. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful, especially knowing it's a recognized system bug and not something we did wrong. Planning to call FSA tomorrow using the "SSN verification override" phrase that @Mason Kaczka mentioned, and I'm definitely going to check out that Claimyr service @Olivia Van-Cleve recommended since the regular phone lines have been impossible. Thanks @Emily Sanjay for the update - gives me hope this can be resolved quickly! Has anyone else had success with the override process recently?

Just wanted to add another data point here - I'm a parent who went through this exact SSN scrambling issue with my son's 2024-2025 FAFSA last year. The frustrating thing is that this seems to be happening more frequently, but the FSA agents I spoke with acted like it was the first time they'd heard of it! I ended up having to escalate to a supervisor who finally admitted it was a "known technical issue with the verification system." The fix took about 5 days once I got to the right person. For anyone still dealing with this, I'd recommend asking specifically for a supervisor if the first agent seems confused about the SSN verification override process. Also, screenshot everything before you call - I took photos of the wrong SSN showing in the system which helped prove it wasn't user error. This really shouldn't be happening to so many families, especially with such tight deadlines!