FAFSA signature missing for freshman & SAI calculation error for junior - can't see specific errors

For your freshman's application, there's a specific parent signature section you need to complete. Even if you've signed in with your FSA ID, there's an additional step where you have to digitally sign the actual FAFSA submission. Look for the "Parent Signature" section specifically - it's easy to miss because the interface isn't very intuitive. For your son's application, the SAI error usually happens when there's a mismatch between the tax information you provided and what the IRS data retrieval tool pulled in. Go to the financial information section, make sure you used the IRS data retrieval tool correctly, and check if there are any warnings or flags next to specific income questions.

omg the exact same thing happed to me!!!! the parent sig thing is a NIGHTMARE. you have to go all the way back to the beginning of the app and click "provide parent information" again, even though you already did it. Then click through like 10 screens to get back to the signature page. the system is so broken its not even funny. good luck!

I work with financial aid applications regularly, and these are both common issues with the 2025-2026 FAFSA: 1. For the parent signature: Log out completely, then log back in with YOUR FSA ID (not your student's). Go to the FAFSA form section, select your daughter's application, and you should see an option to "Complete Parent Signature" near the end of the form. Sometimes it doesn't appear if you're viewing the application through your student's login. 2. For the SAI calculation error: This is likely due to one of these issues: - Missing or incorrect tax filing status information - Income verification flag that needs to be addressed - Mismatched household size information - Issues with the contributor questions (who is providing financial support) You'll need to go through each section carefully. Unfortunately, the error messages are notoriously vague. If you still can't find it, I strongly recommend calling FSA directly - though prepare for a long wait time.

The zero dollar loans thing happened to my daughter's FAFSA too. Turned out we had checked a box saying we didn't want to be considered for federal loans by accident. Check that section maybe?

I'm SO DONE with the new FAFSA. It's been a complete disaster this year!!!! My daughter's financial aid is DELAYED by MONTHS because of these stupid errors that they don't even tell you how to fix. And then the schools blame us like we did something wrong? The whole system is broken and nobody cares that students might lose opportunities because of their technical problems. I had to call FSA 14 TIMES before getting through to someone who could help, and then they told me the parent signature issue was a "known glitch" affecting thousands of people. WHY AREN'T THEY FIXING IT???? This is peoples' education and futures at stake!!

After seeing all these responses, I wanted to add something important: if you're still struggling with these errors after trying the suggestions here, document everything. Take screenshots of any error messages (even vague ones), note the dates you've attempted to fix the issues, and ask the financial aid offices at both schools to make notes in your children's files about the FAFSA technical difficulties. Many schools have processes in place for FAFSA technical issues since this has been such a widespread problem for the 2025-2026 application cycle. They may be able to make provisional financial aid offers while you continue to work with FSA to resolve the technical problems. For the SAI calculation specifically, sometimes the error is in how household members and their college attendance status was reported. Double-check that information carefully.

i had to call federal student aid for help with my sons application too…took me 3 days to get through!!! keep calling and eventually someone will answer. the SAI thing might be because of the contributors section. thats what was wrong with ours. turns out my husband had to be listed differrently than what we thought. good luck!!!!

Update on the SAI calculation issue: I've been seeing this exact problem a lot recently. The most common cause is actually related to the parent's marital status and tax filing status combination. If these don't align correctly with how you filed your taxes, it can trigger the SAI calculation error. For example, if you selected 'Married' but then indicated you filed taxes as 'Head of Household,' this creates a conflict. Same thing if you're divorced but selected 'Married filing jointly' for tax status. Another common issue is with the IRS Data Retrieval Tool - sometimes it pulls the correct data but the FAFSA system doesn't properly integrate it, especially if you have any unusual tax situations like business income, capital gains, or tax-exempt interest. I recommend reviewing these specific sections for your son's application.

Has anyone had success getting through to the Federal Student Aid phone line? I've been trying for days and either get disconnected or told the wait is over 3 hours!

UPDATE: I thought I should share what finally worked in case anyone else has similar issues: 1. For my daughter's missing parent signature: I followed the advice to completely log out, then log back in with MY FSA ID (not hers). The parent signature option was then visible at the end of the form! Completed it and that application is now fully processed. 2. For my son's SAI calculation error: It was indeed a mismatch between marital status and tax filing status. I had to correct my tax filing status to match how we actually filed. After updating that information and resubmitting, the SAI was calculated correctly within 48 hours! Thank you all for your help - this forum saved me so much time and stress. And for anyone else dealing with these issues, definitely document everything as suggested and don't be afraid to reach out to FSA directly if you're still stuck after trying these solutions.