FAFSA still showing 'processing' status - schools not receiving forms until April?

Mine still says processing too! Been that way since January 18th. I called FSA twice and both times they just said everything looks fine and to be patient. So frustrating when you can't tell if something's actually wrong or not.

That makes me feel a little better! Did they give you any estimate of when it would finally process? I'm just worried because some of my scholarship applications need my SAI number by March 15.

This is completely normal for the 2025-2026 FAFSA cycle. Due to the major overhaul of the system (implementing the FAFSA Simplification Act), there are significant delays in processing applications and transmitting data to schools. The Department of Education announced in January that there would be a phased approach to sending FAFSA data to schools:\n\n- Phase 1 (March): Limited test batch to select schools\n- Phase 2 (April): Broader release to most institutions\n- Phase 3 (May): Complete data transmission to all schools\n\nYou did nothing wrong - this is affecting everyone who's applied. Your school is correct that they likely won't receive anything until April. The good news is schools and scholarship programs are aware of these delays and many have extended their priority deadlines.

Thank you so much for explaining this! I had no idea there was this whole phased approach. Do you know if scholarship committees are also being flexible with their deadlines? I have a few that still show March deadlines.

mines still processing 2!!! filled it out on jan 2 right when it opened and NOTHING. my friends at other schools r saying the same thing. this new fafsa is such a mess lol

I've been having the EXACT same issue! My application has been

You should definitely explain the situation to your parents and show them news articles about the FAFSA delays. This is a nationwide issue affecting over 17 million students. Schools understand this problem and many are pushing back their decision deadlines. Some are even making preliminary aid offers based on last year's information.

This entire FAFSA rollout has been a DISASTER from day one. First the months-long delay in even opening the application, then the system crashes, then the calculation errors they had to fix, and now schools won't get data until APRIL?! This is absolutely UNACCEPTABLE. Students' futures are hanging in the balance while the Department of Education fumbles around. My daughter is trying to decide between colleges and these delays might force her to make a decision without knowing what aid she'll receive. I've written to my congressperson about this mess.

I agree its frustrating but at least there making an effort to improve the system in the long run. My niece filled her fafsa last year and it was way more complicated with way more questions. Sometimes you gotta deal with short term pain for long term gain i guess

They've had YEARS to prepare for this rollout. There's no excuse for this level of incompetence. Yes, the new form is supposedly simplified, but what good is that if students miss out on aid because of these delays?

Has anyone had any luck actually getting through to someone at Federal Student Aid to get more specific info about their application? I've tried calling multiple times and keep getting disconnected after waiting for ages.

I was having the same issue with endless hold times and disconnects until someone recommended Claimyr to me. It's this service that holds your place in the FSA phone queue and then calls you when an agent is about to answer. Saved me hours of waiting and frustration! I was able to get detailed info about my application status. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ

Oh wow, never heard of that before. I'll check it out - at this point I'll try anything to get some answers. Thanks!

For those concerned about scholarship deadlines, I'd recommend reaching out directly to the scholarship providers and explaining the situation. Many organizations are aware of the FAFSA delays and are making accommodations. Some are accepting applications without the SAI number and updating records later, while others have extended deadlines.\n\nAlso, if you haven't already, check with your school's financial aid office about institutional scholarships and their deadlines. Many schools have adjusted their timelines knowing the FAFSA data will be delayed.

Thank you for this advice! I'll email the scholarship organizations tomorrow and explain the situation. Really hoping they'll be understanding about these delays.

my cousins at state university and they told her the same thing!!! april for everything to come thru. this is my first time doing fafsa and im so confused lol is it always this much of a mess????

No, this year is exceptionally bad because they completely redesigned the FAFSA system. In previous years, schools usually started receiving data in January or February. The new system is supposed to be simpler (fewer questions, more direct IRS data transfer), but the implementation has been very rocky.

I checked my status yesterday and it FINALLY changed from processing to complete! Took almost 5 weeks but at least something happened. Now just gotta wait for schools to get it I guess.

That's encouraging! When did you initially submit your application? I'm trying to figure out if there's any pattern to when they're completing applications.

I submitted on January 9th. I dont think theres any pattern tho cuz my sister submitted hers the same day and hers is still processing