FAFSA renewal for 2024-2025: Can I transfer data or need to start from scratch?

You still have to fill out a new FAFSA even if nothing changed. But when you log into studentaid.gov with your FSA ID, it should give you the option to renew your FAFSA and import some of your basic info from last year. You'll still need to review everything though because of the FAFSA Simplification changes. The new form is supposedly easier, but its still annoying.

The 2024-2025 FAFSA is completely redesigned, so the renewal process works differently than before. When you start a new FAFSA, the system will automatically import some of your basic demographic information if you use the same FSA ID. However, you'll need to manually enter financial information again because of the significant changes to the form this year. The good news is that the new form is supposed to be more streamlined with fewer questions overall. You'll likely need your 2022 tax information (for 2024-2025 FAFSA), not 2021 tax information that you used last year. I recommend setting aside about 30-45 minutes to complete it, even with the imported information.

same boat here bro my situation is identical from last year but i still had to do the whole thing again. took me like an hour even tho nothing changed. stupid system

One thing to note - even though your situation hasn't changed, the FAFSA Simplification Act changed HOW they calculate your aid eligibility. They're using the Student Aid Index (SAI) instead of the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) now. So while you do need to complete a new form, here's what will transfer automatically: - Your name, address, email, etc. - Your school selections What won't transfer: - Financial information (they need this fresh due to the new calculation method) - Contributors' information The benefit is that the new form has fewer questions overall - down from 108 to about 36 for most students. So even though you're "starting over," it should actually take less time than previous years.

i tried to do this lat week and the stupid website kept crashing on me could get past the first paege. wasted 2 hours of my life i'll never get back 😡

Just completed mine a few days ago! Here's what happens: 1. Log in with your FSA ID 2. Start a new 2024-2025 FAFSA 3. It will pull in your basic info automatically 4. You'll need to enter financial info again 5. If you have parent contributors, they'll need to create FSA IDs and complete their sections It's WAY simpler than previous years once you get started. The good news is if you're independent, it'll take maybe 20 minutes. If you need parent info, it might take longer to coordinate with them. The biggest change is how they calculate aid eligibility now. They're looking at different factors than before, which is why they need fresh financial info even if nothing changed for you personally.

One tip that saved me time: have your FSA ID, 2022 tax return (for 2024-25 FAFSA), and social security number ready before you start. I found it easier to complete on a computer rather than my phone. Also, remember the priority deadline for many schools is earlier than the federal deadline, so don't wait too long to submit it!

Just went through this exact situation last month! You're right to be frustrated - the "renewal" process isn't as straightforward as it used to be. Here's what actually happens: When you log into studentaid.gov with your FSA ID, you'll see an option to "Start Your 2024-25 FAFSA." It will automatically import your basic demographic info (name, address, SSN, etc.) from last year, but you'll still need to manually enter all financial information again due to the FAFSA Simplification changes. The silver lining is that even though you can't just "sign and submit," the new form is actually much shorter - I finished mine in about 25 minutes compared to over an hour in previous years. Make sure you have your 2022 tax info ready (not 2021 like last year) and any parent FSA IDs set up beforehand if you're dependent. It's annoying that nothing truly "transfers over" financially, but at least the process itself is more streamlined now!

Hey! I just went through this exact same panic last week. The short answer is no, you can't just transfer everything over, but it's honestly not as bad as it sounds. When you log in with your FSA ID, some basic info like your name and contact details will auto-populate, but you'll need to re-enter financial information because of the new FAFSA changes this year. The key thing is they're using 2022 tax info now (not 2021 like last year), so make sure you have that ready. I was dreading it because I thought it would take forever, but the new form is actually way shorter - only took me about 30 minutes even though I was being super careful. Way better than the 2+ hours it used to take! Pro tip: Do it early in the morning when the website is less likely to crash. I tried at night first and had issues, but sailed right through at 7 AM. Good luck!