FAFSA rejected without SAI - need to update family size urgently

U gotta go to studentaid.gov and log in with YOUR account (not ur sons). Then click on the 2025-2026 application, there should be a button that says "make correction" or something. Click that and find the household info section. That's where u update family size.

The previous comment is partially correct. Since your son's application was already processed, you'll need to use the "Correction" option, but the parent (you) can only make corrections to the parent sections. Your son needs to log in with his FSA ID to initiate the correction process, then you'll use your FSA ID to update the parent household information section. Once you both complete your sections, he'll need to resubmit. To find this option: 1. Your son logs in at studentaid.gov 2. Selects "Manage FAFSA" 3. Chooses the 2025-2026 application 4. Selects "Make FAFSA Correction" 5. Updates the household size question in the appropriate section 6. When he reaches the parent section, you'll use your FSA ID 7. Submit the corrected application Corrections typically process within 3-5 business days, but can take up to 10 days during peak periods.

When my daughter had this same issue last month, I spent 4 HOURS trying to reach FSA and kept getting disconnected! So frustrating!! We ended up figuring it out ourselves, but by that time her first choice school had already filled their merit scholarship spots. Don't even get me started on how ridiculous this whole system is!!! Why can't they make this easier for parents who are just trying to help their kids?

For what it's worth, updating family size can significantly impact your SAI calculation, especially if you're going from a smaller to larger household size. If your son qualifies for need-based aid, this correction could potentially increase his aid eligibility at many institutions. The key is getting it processed quickly. If you're concerned about the timing, I'd recommend using Claimyr to reach FSA directly to ask them to expedite the processing. I used it last month when we had a verification issue and got through to an agent in minutes instead of hours. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ and sign up at claimyr.com. Once you speak with an agent, specifically request expedited processing due to your son's approaching deadlines.

Hey quick question related to this - does anyone know how updating family size affects SAI if you're adding a family member who's also in college? My twins are both going next year but I only included one in the "number in college" section by accident.

I just wanted to add that when we made a similar correction last month, the reprocessing took exactly 4 business days. Then we had to wait another 2 days for the colleges to download the new information. So I'd recommend contacting your son's schools directly (financial aid offices) to let them know a correction is coming through. Some schools will accept a screenshot of the confirmation page as temporary proof that you've submitted the correction while they wait for official processing.

Remember to save the confirmation page when u submit!!! My son didn't and we had no proof when the school said they never got the update.

UPDATE: We followed the steps that @helpful_advisor provided and were able to access the correction form. My son logged in first, started the correction process, then when we got to the parent section, I used my FSA ID. The family size question was in the Household Information section. We've submitted the correction and got a confirmation number. Thanks everyone for your help! Will update again when we get his SAI.

had the same problem but with income verification. Still waiting after 3 weeks... 🙄

FINAL UPDATE: Got the new SAI number today - only took 3 business days! And good news - updating our family size from 3 to 4 people lowered his SAI by about $2,500. Already notified his schools about the change. Thanks again to everyone who helped!