FAFSA signature issue - Nobody's applications processed yet, FA office says wait until mid-April

TY for posting this!! I've been having literal anxiety attacks over my twins' FAFSAs. We submitted in January but both show errors on the parent contribution section. Called the school yesterday but couldn't get through to a human. Did they give you any idea how long after mid-April we'll have to fix things? I'm worried about meeting priority deadlines for funding.

This information is accurate. I work at a community college financial aid office, and we're all in a holding pattern. The Department of Education announced this week that they're planning a mid-April release of FAFSA information to institutions. This is why many colleges have pushed back their priority deadlines for the 2025-2026 academic year. Regarding the signature issue specifically: when the system opens for corrections, you'll receive an email with instructions. The correction process should be straightforward - you'll simply need to log in, navigate to the signature page, and have your husband re-sign electronically. No need to complete a new application.

same boat here my kid applied early decision and got in but we have NO CLUE if we can afford it lol. just waiting and waiting. the whole fafsa simplification thing seems to have made everything 10x more complicated

I've been trying to reach someone at Federal Student Aid for three weeks about a similar issue - my ex-husband's signature is missing and I need to know if I can proceed without it since we share custody. IMPOSSIBLE to get through on their phone line. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an agent yesterday without waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The FSA agent confirmed exactly what you heard - nothing is moving until mid-April. They're recoding the entire system to handle the new SAI formula. At least I got confirmation that I'll be able to resolve the signature issue when the correction window opens.

Professional financial aid advisor here - just want to clarify a few things for everyone worried about FAFSA delays: 1. The new Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation that replaced the old EFC is the main reason for delays 2. Schools typically need 1-2 weeks AFTER receiving your FAFSA data to generate aid packages 3. Missing signatures are among the easiest corrections to make once the system allows changes 4. Nearly ALL schools have adjusted their financial aid timelines this year 5. May 1st is traditionally Decision Day, but most schools are being flexible My advice: use this time to prepare any verification documents you might need (2023 tax returns, W-2 forms, etc.) so you're ready when schools start requesting additional information.

ur lucky u even got someone on the phone. i call my kids school like everyday and just get voicemail lol

THIS IS SO RIDICULOUS!!! I have TWINS graduating this year and we're supposed to somehow make college decisions with ZERO financial information!! The FAFSA was supposed to be "simplified" but instead it's a COMPLETE DISASTER. My daughter's top choice school has a May 1 deposit deadline and we still won't know if we can even afford it. When I try to explain this to the admissions office they just say "we understand but we need your deposit to hold your spot." HOW ARE FAMILIES SUPPOSED TO FUNCTION LIKE THIS??!! Sorry for yelling but I am at my breaking point with this whole system.

my daughter got a letter from her school yesterday saying theyre extending all financial aid deadlines by 6 weeks because of the fafsa mess. might be worth checking if your schools are doing the same thing?

Update: Just got an email from my son's school confirming what the FA office told me on the phone. They're extending all financial aid deadlines by 4 weeks and pushing back the deposit deadline until June 1st. Check your emails everyone! Schools seem to be sending out updates.