FAFSA shows 'processed' but got asked to fix something - is this normal?

yep this happened to me too. processed doesn't mean DONE done. it just means they finished the first look at your application and found something they need you to fix. you still have to do the corrections they asked for and resubmit. it's super confusing.

Ugh that's so frustrating! Why don't they just say

This is actually quite common in the 2025-2026 FAFSA cycle. The 'processed' status simply means they've completed the initial review of your application, not that it's fully approved. What specifically are they asking you to correct about your parent's contribution information? Typically these are related to tax information mismatches or incomplete sections in the Parent Plus portion.

They're saying something about my parents' W-2 information not matching what was reported on their tax return. But my parents are divorced and file separately, so I'm not sure which parent's info is wrong.

Same boat! The system is crazy confusing... I thought processed meant I was good too, then BAM! More stuff to fix. Why can't they make this easier?

The 14-day deadline is important to take seriously. When they ask for corrections, especially regarding parent contribution or W-2 verification, you need to submit those changes ASAP. Log into studentaid.gov, go to your FAFSA application, and select 'Make FAFSA Corrections.' The specific section they're asking about should be marked with an alert symbol. After you make the changes, you'll need to resubmit with signatures from both you and your contributing parent.

Thanks! I'll check for that alert symbol. Do both my parents need to sign again or just the one whose information needs correcting?

Only the parent who provided information for your FAFSA needs to sign again. If you listed both parents (unusual in divorced situations unless they're still filing jointly), then yes, both would need to sign. Most likely, it's just the parent whose information is being used as the contributor.

DONT PANIC! I've had to fix stuff on my \

I've been dealing with this exact issue for my daughter's FAFSA. The most frustrating part was trying to get through to someone at Federal Student Aid to explain exactly what needed fixing, since the email was vague. After getting hung up on four times, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to finally get through to an agent without waiting forever. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ\n\nAnyway, the agent explained that 'processed' just means they've initially reviewed it, and the W-2 correction was because my ex-husband's employer EIN didn't match what was in their system. Such a small thing but it held everything up!

Thank you! I'll check that out if I need to call them. Did fixing the W-2 issue delay your daughter's aid package by a lot?

It delayed it by about 3 weeks total, but most of that was trying to figure out what was wrong and getting my ex to send me the correct W-2 info. Once we made the correction online, the new SAI calculation came through in about 5 days.

i had this happen too but mine was because i put my dad's income in the wrong box. honestly the whole FAFSA thing is so confusing this year with the new SAI system instead of EFC. makes me miss the old forms lol

Regarding your divorced parents situation: FAFSA only wants information from the parent you lived with more during the past 12 months. If you split time equally, then it's the parent who provided more financial support. You should not be including both parents' information unless one has remarried (then you include the step-parent too).\n\nFor the W-2 mismatch, it's likely one of these issues:\n1. Transposed numbers when entering income\n2. Incorrect employer EIN number\n3. Box 1 vs. Box 5 confusion (they want Box 1 wages)\n\nMake sure you're looking at the right tax year too - for 2025-2026 FAFSA, you need 2023 tax information.

This is really helpful, thank you! I'm pretty sure I used the right parent (mom, who I lived with most of the year). I'll double check those W-2 numbers against her tax return. She remarried last year so maybe that's causing the confusion with the step-parent income.

after u fix it they'll process it AGAIN and might find more problems lol. happened to me 3 times before they finally gave me my SAI. this new fafsa is such a mess

One important thing to know is that once you make the corrections and resubmit, your FAFSA will go back into 'processing' status again, not showing as 'processed' right away. This is normal. The typical timeline is 3-5 business days for it to move back to 'processed' status, then another 1-3 days for your SAI (Student Aid Index) to be calculated and sent to your schools.\n\nFor your specific parent contribution issue with divorced parents + a step-parent, make sure you're following the FAFSA's definition of 'parent' carefully. This is one of the most common areas where corrections are needed.

Wait what?! It goes BACK to processing? So the whole thing starts over?? This system is the WORST

It doesn't completely start over - they're just reviewing your corrections. The second processing period is typically faster than the initial one since they're only looking at the specific changes you made.

Update: I found the issue! When I entered my mom's spouse's (my stepdad's) W-2 info, I accidentally put his income in Box 5 instead of Box 1. Going to fix it tonight and have them both e-sign again. Thanks everyone for the help and reassurance that this is normal!

Great job figuring it out! That's a very common mistake with the new FAFSA form. Make sure both your mom and stepdad sign again after you make the correction. Your SAI should come through much faster this time around.

Glad you figured out the W-2 issue! Just went through something similar myself. Pro tip - after you and your parents e-sign, you'll get a confirmation email, but it might take up to 24 hours to actually show the "submitted" status on studentaid.gov. Don't panic if it doesn't update immediately like I did lol. The Box 1 vs Box 5 mistake is SO easy to make, especially when you're stressed about deadlines. Good luck with the reprocessing!