FAFSA shows 'Processed' status but no SAI number appeared - what's next?

same here!!! submitted mine 3 days ago, shows processed since yesterday but NO SAI number anywhere. called the fafsa hotline twice but got disconnected both times after waiting 45+ minutes. so frustrating!!

Ugh, that's exactly what happened to me when I tried calling! Got disconnected after being on hold forever. At least I'm not alone in this confusion.

This is actually normal right now. The new FAFSA system has a delay between when your form shows as \

Thank you! That's a relief. We'll keep watching for the email then. Do you know if my daughter's colleges will still be able to see her application in the meantime, or do they also have to wait for the SAI?

Colleges won't receive the data until the SAI is calculated. Once your SAI is processed, FAFSA will automatically send your information to all the schools you listed on your application. The schools need that SAI number to create financial aid packages, so they're essentially in a waiting pattern too until that step is complete.

I HATE the new FAFSA system!!! Been dealing with this exact same issue for over a week now. Got the \

yeh this happened 2 my nephew too. said processed but actually had a problem with parent contribution section. no notification at all, had to call to find out. dumb system

Oh no, I better check the communication center right away. Thanks for the heads up! I didn't realize there could be hidden errors even with the \

I work in a college financial aid office, and we're seeing this a lot this year. The \

is this different from previous years? I don't remember having to wait for a SAI last time my kid applied

Yes, it's completely different. In previous years, the EFC (now replaced by SAI) calculation was essentially immediate. The 2025-26 FAFSA has a new processing system with these staged delays built in. It's frustrating for everyone, but at least it's working better than the initial rollout of the new system last year.

I was in the exact same situation last week! After waiting for 5 days with the \

does that actually work? seems sketchy to use a third party service just to make a phone call

It worked for me! I was skeptical too, but after being disconnected three times trying to call directly, I was desperate. They just help you get through the phone system faster. You still talk directly to the official FSA representatives.

Thanks for the suggestion! If my SAI doesn't show up in a few days, I'll definitely consider this. Being able to actually talk to someone would be so helpful.

i just checked again and my SAI finally appeared!!! took exactly 6 days from when it said

That's great news! I'll keep checking daily. Did you get an email notification when it appeared, or did you just happen to check and find it?

no email at all lol. just randomly checked and there it was! the system is so weird

Just to add some additional context: The Department of Education made significant changes to the FAFSA process for the 2025-26 application year. The delays between processing stages are actually by design to ensure accuracy. Unlike previous years where calculations happened immediately, they're now doing additional verification steps between the \

That's such a terrible design choice! Why not just say \

UPDATE: My SAI finally appeared this morning! It took exactly 7 days from when my application first showed as \

Glad to hear it! Now your selected schools should receive your information within 3-5 business days, and they can start preparing financial aid packages. Make sure to check each school's financial aid portal or student portal for any additional documentation they might require.

Thank you! I'll let my daughter know to keep an eye on her school portals too. This whole process is so different from when I applied for financial aid years ago!