FAFSA signature error - can I submit new form or wait for correction?

You don't need to start over completely. Go to studentaid.gov and use the correction function after the initial processing happens. The system will let you change her dependency status and then add your information and signature. However, you'll need to wait until the current submission processes first - usually takes 3-5 business days before corrections are allowed.

Thank you! So I should go ahead and submit it as-is even though I can't sign it? I'm worried it will get rejected or cause problems later. Our school's priority deadline is in 3 weeks.

same thing happened to me last year with my son's application! super frustrating but dont panic

Did you have to wait for it to process before fixing it? Did it cause any delays with his financial aid package?

This is actually a common issue with the new FAFSA system. Since you marked her as independent, the system doesn't prompt for parent signatures. Here's what you need to do:\n\n1. Submit the current application (even without your signature)\n2. Wait for the initial SAI calculation (typically 3-5 business days)\n3. Once processed, log in and select \

This is so helpful - thank you! I'll submit it today and set a reminder to check for the correction option in a few days. Do you know if the correction will reset our place in line for aid consideration? We're applying to some competitive schools.

The correction won't completely reset your place in line. Schools receive both the original and corrected data. What matters most is having the corrected version before they begin packaging aid, which is typically several weeks after their priority deadline. You should be fine if you make the correction within the next week or so.

why is the FAFSA so complicated??? i swear they make it confusing ON PURPOSE

For real! It's like they're actively trying to prevent people from getting financial aid 🙄

I spent hours on the phone trying to get through to someone at Federal Student Aid when I had a similar issue with my son's application (signature page problems). Eventually gave up on calling directly. I found this service called Claimyr that got me connected to a real person at FSA in under 20 minutes - claimyr.com. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ. The agent was able to verify my issue was common and that the correction process would work fine after processing. Saved me days of stress.

Thank you for the suggestion! I might try that if I run into issues with the correction process. I'm so nervous about messing up her aid package.

does that actually work? i tried calling FSA like 6 times last month and kept getting disconnected

Wait! Before you submit with the error, double check if there's an option to save as draft and start over. Sometimes there's a tiny link at the bottom of the page. The new FAFSA system has so many bugs, but sometimes you can restart without losing all your work. Worth checking before submitting with an error.

I tried looking for that option but couldn't find it anywhere. I think once you get to the signature page, it's too late to go back and change dependency status. So frustrating!

btw make sure ur daughter's school has received her FAFSA after u fix it!! my daughter's college never got her corrected FAFSA and we almost missed out on a huge grant

One more tip: After you complete the correction and both sign the form, I strongly recommend printing the confirmation page showing the correction was submitted. Also, follow up with each school's financial aid office about 10 days after the correction to confirm they received the updated FAFSA data. \n\nSome schools only pull FAFSA data once a week, so timing matters. Given your timeline with the priority deadline in 3 weeks, you should be able to make the correction and have schools receive it in time, but it's always best to verify directly with each school.

This is excellent advice! I'll definitely print everything and follow up with the schools. Thank you so much for all your help. This whole process has been so much more complicated than when I went to college.

Just to clarify something important: The new Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation will likely change after you correct the dependency status. Independent students generally qualify for more aid than dependent students (unless the parents have very low income). So be prepared that your daughter's aid eligibility might decrease after correction. It's still important to submit accurate information though - incorrect FAFSA data can lead to verification headaches later.

That's a good point - thank you. We have relatively low income so hopefully the change won't be too dramatic. I just want to make sure we do everything correctly.