FAFSA requiring both parents' info despite joint tax filing - stuck for weeks
I'm at my wits end with the FAFSA application! My parents file taxes jointly, and I completed my mom's contribution a month ago. After submitting her section, the system suddenly demanded my dad's information too, which makes NO sense since they file JOINTLY. I thought only one parent needed to complete it in that case? I asked around and some friends said they experienced the same glitch - the system requested their second parent but then magically submitted itself after a few days without needing that info. So I waited...and waited...but it's been a MONTH now and the application is still showing incomplete, insisting my dad needs to contribute. Has anyone dealt with this? My school's financial aid deadline is in three weeks and I'm panicking that I might lose my aid package or even my enrollment for next semester. The studentaid.gov site is absolutely no help and I can't reach anyone by phone. Why would they need both parents' info if they file jointly??
14 comments
Join the conversation
Dylan Mitchell
same thing happened to me! the system is totally broken this year with the new SAI calculations. waited like 2 weeks and nothing changed for me either
0 coins
Fatima Al-Suwaidi
•Did you ever get it resolved? I'm getting seriously worried about missing deadlines...
0 coins
Sofia Morales
The new FAFSA system is requiring both parents' information for 2025-2026 applications even if they file jointly. This is part of the FAFSA Simplification Act changes. Here's why: 1. They need BOTH parents' demographic information and education history (not just financial data) 2. Each parent needs to create their own FSA ID and electronically sign 3. The joint tax information will automatically transfer through the IRS DRT tool once both parents complete their sections You definitely need to have your dad complete his portion - the system won't auto-submit despite what your friends experienced. That might have been an older version of FAFSA.
0 coins
Fatima Al-Suwaidi
•This makes more sense, thank you. So even though they share all financial info on their taxes, both still need to sign? I'll tell my dad to create his FSA ID today.
0 coins
Dmitry Popov
i'm going through EXACTLY the same thing!!! my parents filed jointly and my mom did her part but then my dad got the invite and he's been putting it off for weeks. Financial aid office told me both contributors MUST complete their sections separately now, even with joint filing. so annoying!!!! why didn't they make this clear from the beginning??
0 coins
Ava Garcia
•The new FAFSA is confusing everyone! To clarify, both parents must provide their personal info and electronically sign the application, but the actual financial data only needs to be entered once if they file jointly (using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool). Your SAI calculation requires input from all contributors regardless of filing status.
0 coins
StarSailor}
Trying to call FSA directly is a nightmare, I was on hold for 2.5 hours last week and got disconnected TWICE. So frustrating.
0 coins
Miguel Silva
•I had this exact problem last month trying to sort out my parents' FAFSA contributions. After hours of failed attempts, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a Federal Student Aid agent in about 15 minutes. They have this service where they wait on hold for you and call when an agent picks up. Saved me so much stress. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent confirmed that yes, both parents need to complete their portions with separate FSA IDs even with joint filing. Something about the new SAI calculation requiring demographic info from each contributor.
0 coins
Zainab Ismail
I work in a financial aid office, and we're seeing this issue come up a LOT with the new FAFSA. Here's what's happening: Under the new system, even though parents file taxes jointly, the system needs each parent to: 1. Create an individual FSA ID 2. Provide their demographic information separately 3. Electronically sign the application This is because the new SAI formula considers additional factors beyond just income and assets. Both parents must contribute to get an accurate financial aid calculation. My advice: Have your dad create his FSA ID immediately, complete his section, and submit it. After both parents have signed, the application will process within 3-5 business days. You won't lose your spot at school if you're actively working on this, but do communicate with your financial aid office about the delay.
0 coins
Connor O'Neill
•my cousin is going through same thing and her dad doesn't even live with them anymore!!! this system is so messed up
0 coins
Fatima Al-Suwaidi
Update: I finally got my dad to create his FSA ID and complete his section. It took about 20 minutes total. The system accepted his submission and now shows our FAFSA as "Processing" instead of "Action Required." Thank you all for the help and clarification! I had no idea the new system required both parents regardless of filing status. Hopefully this thread helps others in the same situation.
0 coins
Sofia Morales
•Great news! The processing usually takes 3-5 business days, after which you'll receive your SAI (Student Aid Index). Make sure to check your email regularly for any verification requests - about 30% of applications get selected for verification, which requires additional documentation.
0 coins
Zainab Ismail
Your SAI will automatically be sent to all the schools you listed on your FAFSA. Each school will then use that information to create your financial aid package based on their own funding formulas and available resources. Some schools might request additional information or have their own supplemental forms (like the CSS Profile for private colleges). Keep an eye on your student portal for each school and your email for any follow-up requests. Glad you got this resolved! This year's FAFSA changes have confused nearly everyone.
0 coins
Fatima Al-Suwaidi
•Thank you so much for all the help! What a relief.
0 coins