FAFSA spouse signature issue - stuck in application limbo
I'm completely DONE with this FAFSA process! I've been trying to submit my application for 3 days now but it keeps saying my spouse needs to sign it. We've both logged in separately, tried on different devices, even called the helpline (disconnected twice after waiting 45+ minutes). My spouse created their own FSA ID and everything. When they log in they don't see anything to sign! The application shows as 'waiting for spouse signature' but there's literally no option for them to sign anywhere. Has anyone actually figured this out? The deadline is coming up fast and I'm seriously stressing. Do we need to start all over again???
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StarStrider
This is actually a really common issue with the new FAFSA system. Your spouse needs to log in with their own FSA ID, but NOT through the "continue FAFSA" link. Instead, they should go to studentaid.gov/fafsa/sign, enter the submission ID number (it should be in the email you received), and then they'll be directed to the signature page. The system doesn't make this clear at all, and it's frustrating so many applicants.
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Zara Ahmed
•Omg thank you!! We were definitely just trying to use the "continue FAFSA" option and getting nowhere. Will try this tonight when my spouse gets home from work.
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Luca Esposito
I had the EXACT same problem last month! The secret is that both you and your spouse need to have separate FSA IDs that are fully verified (email and phone confirmation completed). Then your spouse has to go directly to the signature page. If your spouse already has an FSA ID from a previous year, they might need to reset their password - that fixed it for us.
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Zara Ahmed
•Thanks! My spouse did create a new FSA ID but maybe the email verification didn't go through properly. I'll double check that too.
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Nia Thompson
same thing here. so frustrating. been trying for a week and my husband says theres nothing to sign when he logs in. going to try what u suggested about the direct sign page but seriously why does it have to be this complicated?? last year was way easier
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StarStrider
•The redesigned system is definitely causing a lot of confusion. If the direct signature page doesn't work, make sure both of your FSA IDs have different email addresses and different phone numbers. The system sometimes gets confused when spouses share contact information.
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Mateo Rodriguez
Have you tried using Claimyr to actually get through to a FAFSA agent? I was stuck with the same signature issue for weeks until I found their service. It helped me skip the whole phone queue and I got connected to an agent in minutes who resolved the signature glitch on their end. Check out claimyr.com or see how it works here: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ. Saved me so much stress with that deadline approaching.
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Zara Ahmed
•Never heard of that but definitely willing to try anything at this point. The deadline stress is real. Will check it out, thanks!
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Nia Thompson
•just looked at that video, might try this tomorrow if the signature page doesn't work. anyone know if they actually fix things or just tell you to try the same stuff again?
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Aisha Abdullah
my wife and i got stuck at this part too lol... turned out she was using her phone and needed to switch to desktop mode in the browser. the mobile version doesn't show the signature button for some reason
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Zara Ahmed
•No way, really? We've been trying on laptops but I'll make sure we're not accidentally in mobile view somehow. This whole system is such a mess.
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Ethan Wilson
I work in a financial aid office, and unfortunately this is one of the most common issues with the new FAFSA system. Beyond what others have suggested, here are some additional troubleshooting steps: 1. Make sure both FSA IDs are fully verified with separate email addresses and phone numbers 2. Try using the "Notify Spouse" button on your end if you can find it 3. Clear cache and cookies or try a different browser entirely 4. Check that your spouse is using their correct SSN and DOB that matches what you entered 5. If all else fails, sometimes you need to delete the application and start over, unfortunately The new system has improved some things but created new confusion around the signature process. Hang in there!
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Zara Ahmed
•Thank you for these detailed steps! I hadn't thought about checking if the SSN/DOB matches exactly what I entered. Will try all these before considering starting over (really hope we don't have to do that).
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Luca Esposito
Did you ever get this resolved? I'm curious which solution actually worked because we had so many issues with the spouse signature thing too.
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Zara Ahmed
•YES! Finally figured it out last night. It was actually two problems: 1) My spouse's FSA ID email wasn't fully verified even though the account was created, and 2) We needed to use that special signature link that the first commenter mentioned. Once we fixed both issues, it went through immediately. Application is finally submitted, what a relief!
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Monique Byrd
So glad you got it figured out! This thread is going to be super helpful for other people dealing with the same issue. The FAFSA spouse signature problem seems to trip up so many families, and it's frustrating that the system doesn't make the process clearer. Thanks for updating us on what actually worked - the combination of verifying the email AND using the direct signature link seems to be the key. Hopefully the Department of Education fixes these user experience issues for next year's FAFSA cycle!
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GalaxyGazer
•This is exactly why I love this community! It's so helpful when people share what actually worked for them. I'm bookmarking this thread for future reference - I have a feeling I'll be dealing with FAFSA issues next year when my younger sibling starts college. The fact that it took multiple solutions working together (email verification + direct signature link) really shows how confusing the new system can be. Hopefully this helps other families avoid the same stress!
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