FAFSA spouse DOB field glitch - cursor jumps to SSN field when entering day
I've been trying to complete my 2025-2026 FAFSA for the past 3 days and I'm about to throw my computer out the window! When I try to enter my spouse's date of birth, the system is acting crazy. I can enter the month fine, but when I try to type in a 2-digit day (trying to enter the 15th), it accepts the first digit '1' and then the cursor automatically jumps to the spouse SSN field! I can't complete the application without this info. I've tried clearing cache, using different browsers, even switched from my iPad to my Windows laptop (which finally worked). Has anyone else encountered this glitch? Is there some workaround I'm missing? This seems like such a basic form function to mess up!
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Drake
OMG YES!!!! I had the EXACT same issue last week and wanted to scream. The FAFSA site is sooooo buggy this year. I found if you use Chrome in incognito mode it sometimes works better? But switching to my desktop computer from my phone is what finally fixed it for me too. Their mobile compatibility is garbage.
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Gabriel Graham
•Thanks for confirming I'm not the only one losing my mind over this! I'll try the incognito mode tip. Did you have any other glitches after this section, or was it smooth sailing once you got past the DOB field?
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Sarah Jones
same. tried on my phone for 2 hrs before giving up. worked instantly on my laptop. what a waste of time
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Sebastian Scott
This is actually a known issue with the 2025-2026 FAFSA form that the Department of Education has documented. The bug occurs in certain browser environments, particularly on mobile devices and tablets. Some technical fixes that have worked for users: 1. Try using the Tab key to navigate between fields instead of clicking 2. Enter the day as a single digit first (e.g., just "1") then go back and edit it to "15" 3. Use a desktop computer with Chrome or Firefox (most compatible) 4. Clear browser cache completely and disable any form auto-fill functions 5. If using a screen reader or accessibility tools, disable them temporarily The FSA has said they're working on a patch but haven't specified when it will be deployed.
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Gabriel Graham
•This is super helpful, thanks! I had no idea it was a documented issue. I tried your second suggestion about entering just "1" first and then going back to edit, but even then it wouldn't let me add the 5. But yes, desktop with Chrome finally worked. Really appreciate the detailed explanation!
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Emily Sanjay
My daughter had this same problem when helping me fill out my parent portion. We just ended up putting the wrong date (the 1st instead of the 17th) because we couldn't get it to work and figured they probably don't check that anyway. Probably not good advice but we were just desperate to submit before her school's priority deadline.
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Sebastian Scott
•I would strongly advise against submitting incorrect information, even for technical reasons. The DOB is used for verification purposes, and incorrect information could flag your application for review, delaying your aid package or even resulting in verification issues. It's worth the extra effort to use a compatible device to enter the correct information.
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Emily Sanjay
•Oh no really? Should we try to correct it? We already submitted like 3 weeks ago...
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Jordan Walker
I work at a college financial aid office, and we've had dozens of students reporting this exact issue in the past month. It's definitely a widespread bug in the new system. While switching to a desktop browser is the most reliable fix, another option is to call the Federal Student Aid Information Center directly and have them help troubleshoot or even input the information on their end. The challenge is getting through to an actual person at FSA - they're absolutely swamped with calls right now because of all the system issues. If you're still struggling, I've had students have success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent quickly instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ Once you get an agent, they can either help walk you through alternative input methods or directly update the information in the system.
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Gabriel Graham
•Thanks for the insider info! I hadn't even considered calling them because I assumed the wait times would be insane. I'll check out that service if I run into any more issues. Is this DOB glitch the most common problem you're seeing, or are there other sections I should be prepared to have trouble with?
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Jordan Walker
•The spouse DOB issue is definitely in our top 3 problems! The other major issues we're seeing are: 1) The contributor section timing out when trying to add multiple contributors, and 2) Error messages when uploading tax documents directly. If you encounter either of those, save your work frequently and consider breaking the process into multiple sessions.
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Natalie Adams
I'm having the EXACT same problem but with the parent birthdate field! I've tried EVERYTHING - different browsers, computers, even had my mom try from her house. Nothing works! I'm so stressed because my university's priority deadline is next week and I NEED to get this submitted. Has anyone found a consistent solution that works 100% of the time? I'm desperate!
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Drake
•Have u tried using a desktop with chrome in incognito mode?? That's what finally worked for me. Also try early morning like 6am when fewer ppl are on the site.
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Sebastian Scott
•For the parent birthdate field specifically, there's a slightly different workaround. Try using keyboard navigation only (no mouse) - Tab to get to the field, enter the month, then press Tab once, enter the day, Tab again, then the year. This bypasses the click-detection issue that's causing the cursor to jump. This has worked for most students I've helped with this specific parent DOB issue.
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Elijah O'Reilly
This might sound crazy, but I fixed it by using my Xbox to access the FAFSA website through the Edge browser. Nothing else worked! Something about the console browser doesn't trigger whatever bug is causing the field jumping. Worth a try if you have one!
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Sarah Jones
•srsly? gonna try this tonight, already wasted 3 evenings on this stupid form
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Gabriel Graham
•That's genuinely hilarious! I don't have an Xbox but it's amazing what random solutions people discover. I wonder if PlayStation would work too? 😂
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Amara Torres
The whole FAFSA process is DESIGNED to be difficult to discourage people from applying. Change my mind. They don't want to give out aid so they make the process as painful as possible. Notice how the glitches ALWAYS get fixed right AFTER the priority deadlines pass? 🤔
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Sebastian Scott
•While I understand your frustration, these issues are actually the result of the major FAFSA Simplification Act changes being implemented. The system was completely overhauled for 2025-2026, and unfortunately, any large software deployment tends to have bugs. The Department of Education has actually extended many deadlines in recognition of these technical issues.
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Gabriel Graham
UPDATE: Thanks everyone for the helpful suggestions! I ended up following the advice to use a desktop computer with Chrome, and that solved my problem. For anyone else struggling with this issue, here's what worked: 1. Used Windows laptop (not iPad/mobile) 2. Cleared browser cache completely 3. Disabled Chrome autofill 4. Used keyboard Tab key to navigate between fields I was finally able to enter the correct DOB and complete my application. Now fingers crossed for a decent aid package!
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Drake
•Congrats!!! The feeling of finally submitting that form is SUCH a relief. Hope you get good news on your SAI score!!
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Jordan Walker
•Great to hear you got it submitted! Just as a heads-up, with all these system issues, SAI (Student Aid Index) calculations are taking about 5-7 business days longer than usual to process. Don't panic if you don't see your results right away.
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