FAFSA shows 'submitted' after only one divorced parent completed their portion - can't add second parent now

The same exact thing happened with my son's application! When the first parent completes their portion, the system now automatically submits the whole application. It's a major flaw in the new FAFSA. You need to call FSA directly at 1-800-433-3243 to have them add you as a contributor after submission. Fair warning though - I tried calling for THREE DAYS straight and couldn't get through to anyone. They hang up after telling you about 'high call volume.

Its probably fine. The new FAFSA only asks for the info from the parent who provides more financial support. Thats why it submitted after the higher earner completed it. Your daughter will still get her aid!

OMG the exact same thing happened to us!!! Both me and my ex got the invites but as soon as he finished his part it just said SUBMITTED and locked me out completely. So frustrating!!!

I work in a university financial aid office, and I can tell you this is unfortunately a common issue with the redesigned FAFSA this year. Your daughter will need to submit a correction to her FAFSA to add your information. However, the correction feature isn't consistently available yet - it depends on where her application is in the processing pipeline. You have two options: 1. Wait 3-5 business days after submission, then have your daughter log in to StudentAid.gov and check if the "Correct Your FAFSA" button is available. If it is, she can add you as a contributor then. 2. Contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center directly to request they add you as a contributor to the existing application. Option 2 is faster, but as others have mentioned, the hold times are extremely long right now.

Try using Claimyr to reach the FSA people - it worked for me when I had a similar problem. It gets you through the phone queue without the endless waiting. The site is claimyr.com and you can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ - saved me hours of frustration!

Yes, I actually spoke with a real person at FSA after trying for days on my own. They were able to add my spouse to the application and told us to wait 3-5 days for processing before the second contributor could access it.

This is a known issue with the redesigned FAFSA. Here's what you need to understand: 1. Yes, both parents' information is required for an accurate SAI calculation if both provide significant support, regardless of marital status. 2. The system should not have automatically submitted after just one contributor completed their portion - this is a technical error affecting many families. 3. The correction function should be available to your daughter 3-7 days after initial submission. She needs to login, select "Correct Your FAFSA" and then add you as an additional contributor. 4. Most important: While waiting for the correction ability to become available, contact all the financial aid offices at schools your daughter is applying to and explain the situation. They may provide temporary deadline extensions while you resolve this issue. 5. Once both contributors' information is included, her SAI will be recalculated, potentially changing her aid eligibility significantly. Documentation is critical - save screenshots showing the technical error, keep the invitation emails, and document all communication attempts with FSA.

Just wanted to add that if your daughter can't access the correction function after a week, and you can't reach FSA by phone, have her visit her school's financial aid office in person. They have dedicated channels to help resolve FAFSA issues that aren't available to the general public. They can sometimes initiate a correction request through their institutional portal.