FAFSA shows processed with SAI but now got correction notice in mail - contradicting statuses?

omg exact same thing happened to me last month!! online said processed but then i got mailed correction forms. super annoying

The mail notice should specify exactly what corrections they're asking for. It's actually pretty common to get correction requests even when the system shows processed because the SAI is calculated based on preliminary data. When they do deeper verification, they sometimes find discrepancies that need fixing.

This happens ALL THE TIME with FAFSA. Their systems don't talk to each other properly. The mail notice is sent from the verification department which operates separately from the initial processing system. You absolutely need to complete those corrections or your daughter's financial aid could be delayed or even denied. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool often works fine, but sometimes there are specific fields they need you to manually verify. Check the letter carefully - it should specify exactly which sections need correction.

FAFSA is such a mess this year with all the changes!! My son's application said processed too then we got an email about corrections but nothing in the mail. When I called FSA they said ignore the email because it was sent in error!! Maybe call and check if yours is actually legit???

I used Claimyr to get through to a FAFSA agent about a similar issue last week. It saved me from endless hold times and actually got me connected to someone who could see both the online status and the correction request. Their website is claimyr.com and they have this video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ. Beats sitting on hold for hours only to get disconnected!

Financial aid administrator here: What you're experiencing is actually normal (though frustrating). The FAFSA system shows "processed" once they've done the initial calculation, but they flag applications for verification after that. About 30% of all applications get selected for verification. Technically, your application IS processed - they've calculated an initial SAI. But that doesn't mean you're done. The verification is a second step where they need to confirm specific information. Don't panic! Just follow the correction instructions in the letter. The most common correction requests involve: 1. Household size verification 2. Number in college verification 3. Income documentation 4. Identity verification Your SAI might change after corrections, or it might stay the same. But you must complete the corrections or your daughter won't receive any aid.

this happened with my son too!! the fafsa is such a disaster this year with all the changes ugggh. we got the same letter but when we tried to make corrections online it wouldn't let us even though we logged in??? we ended up having to print the correction form and mail it back wtih our tax forms. took forever but finally got a new sai number two weeks later

Thank you everyone for your helpful responses! I feel much better knowing this is common. I'll gather our documents and complete the verification process this weekend. I might try Claimyr to get through to FSA first, just to confirm exactly what they need from us. Really appreciate all the insights!

Just wanted to add that you should also check if your daughter's school has sent any emails about the verification process. Some schools will reach out directly once they receive the FAFSA and see it needs verification. They often have their own deadlines that might be earlier than the federal 45-day window, especially for priority consideration for institutional aid. My daughter's school sent a checklist of exactly what documents they needed which made the whole process much smoother than trying to decipher the federal letter.