FAFSA says daughter eligible for aid but we're getting DENIED for all loans and grants - Help!

This happened to us last year! The SAI score is just an ELIGIBILITY indicator, not a guarantee of aid. Each college decides how to distribute their own financial aid packages based on their available funds and priorities. Some schools will only offer aid to students with much lower SAI scores than yours. Did you apply to any schools with good merit scholarships? Those aren't based on financial need.

There's something wrong here. Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans are available regardless of financial need. Every undergraduate student who completes a FAFSA should qualify for at least $5,500-$7,500 in unsubsidized loans depending on year in school. Did you actually complete all FAFSA verification if they requested it? Is there any hold on your daughter's FSA ID? You should contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center directly to figure out why the loans aren't being offered. This sounds like a technical issue, not an eligibility issue.

this is why the whole system is BROKEN. they make you jump through hoops and then deny you anyway. my nephew had same issue and ended up taking private loans at 11% interest because fafsa screwed up his application THREE TIMES

When I had endless issues getting through to FAFSA last semester (kept getting disconnected after 45+ minute waits), I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it was a game-changer. They basically hold your place in line and call you when a FAFSA agent is actually available. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ. Worth it to get this sorted out since it sounds like there's definitely an error somewhere in your daughter's application processing.

ya i used it last month when my fafsa got stuck in verification. got thru to someone in like 30 mins instead of the 2+ hrs i waited before and got disconnected. def worth it

I suspect there may be a C-code flag on your daughter's FAFSA. A C-code (comment code) indicates there's an issue that needs resolution before aid can be disbursed. Common C-codes include citizenship verification issues, Selective Service registration status for male students, defaulted loans, unusual enrollment history, or NSLDS (National Student Loan Data System) discrepancies. Ask the financial aid office specifically if there are any C-codes on your daughter's FAFSA. If there are, they should tell you exactly what documentation is needed to clear them. Once resolved, your daughter should qualify for at least unsubsidized loans.

omg the EXACT same thing happened to my son!!! his cousins dad has the same name and they flagged his fafsa!!!! you have to submit a form proving your daughter isnt the other person. the form is called identity clarification or something similar. each school has different versions but once we submitted it with his birth certificate and social security card they fixed it in like a week

Since you've identified a C-code issue, I recommend asking the financial aid office for an "Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose" form. This form, sometimes combined with their C-code resolution form, will allow your daughter to verify her identity is separate from whoever has the same/similar name in the system. You'll likely need to provide: 1. Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport) 2. Social security card 3. Birth certificate 4. Signed statement of educational purpose These documents will resolve the mistaken identity issue. Once cleared, the schools should update their aid packages to include at minimum the federal unsubsidized loans.

So glad you got it resolved! This happens more often than people realize. Once the schools get the updated FAFSA information, make sure to follow up with their financial aid offices directly to request updated award letters. Sometimes they don't automatically regenerate offers. And remember - if your financial situation has changed at all since you filed (job loss, medical expenses, etc.), you can also submit a special circumstances appeal for additional consideration.

What a relief that you got it sorted out! This is such a perfect example of why the FAFSA system needs better communication - they should notify families immediately when there are flags or issues instead of leaving everyone in the dark. Your story will definitely help other families who might be dealing with the same mysterious denials. Make sure to keep copies of all the documentation you submitted in case this identity mix-up ever pops up again in future years. And yes, definitely follow up with each school individually once they receive the updated info - some are faster than others at regenerating award packages.