FAFSA stuck in "in progress" limbo after IRS verification request - can't make corrections

Same thing happened to me! It's probably in IRS verification. Mine was stuck like that for almost 5 weeks. You basically just have to wait it out unfortunately. The system is so broken this year with all the FAFSA changes.

My daughter's was stuck too but then suddenly processed. Check that u answered all the questions right. Sometimes they get stuck bc of a random error you don't even know about

This is a common issue with the 2025-2026 FAFSA after the redesign. When your application requires IRS verification, it enters a processing state where corrections are temporarily locked. This doesn't mean your application isn't submitted - it's just in verification. The system will automatically match your tax information with IRS records. For your school's May 15th deadline, you should: 1. Contact the financial aid office at your son's school directly. Explain the situation and ask if they'll accept a processing FAFSA for priority aid consideration. Many schools are making exceptions due to the widespread delays. 2. Document everything. Take screenshots of your FAFSA status showing the "in progress" status and the date you originally submitted. 3. Request that the school place a note in your son's file about the verification delay being beyond your control. Most importantly, don't panic about the "not submitted" language - this is just poor wording on the FAFSA portal. Your application IS submitted and being processed.

Calling FAFSA is absolutely worth it but you need to get through to a live person. After fighting with this same issue for weeks, I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that held my place in line and called me back when a FAFSA agent was available. Saved me hours of frustration and the agent was able to explain exactly what was happening with my daughter's application. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The FAFSA rep told me that for applications stuck in IRS verification, they CAN sometimes expedite them if there's a school deadline involved. But you have to actually speak to someone to request this.

THE WHOLE FAFSA SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY BROKEN THIS YEAR!!! I've been dealing with this EXACT issue since February and still nothing is resolved!!! My daughter might have to skip her first semester because of this disaster. The "redesigned" FAFSA is just a way for them to DENY more students aid. The verification process is DELIBERATELY broken to reduce how many students get grants!!! If your son's school has a May 15 deadline, you need to CALL THEM DIRECTLY and explain. Most schools know the system is a disaster and are making exceptions. DON'T TRUST the FAFSA people to fix this in time!!

Financial aid counselor here. What you're experiencing is part of the IRS Data Retrieval Tool verification process, and it's affecting thousands of families this year. Here's what's happening: 1. When your FAFSA requests tax verification, it essentially pauses your application while the system communicates with the IRS. 2. During this period, your application shows as "in progress" rather than "submitted" - but it IS in the system. 3. The correction lockout is intentional to prevent conflicting information during verification. For immediate action: - Contact the financial aid office at your son's school with your FAFSA confirmation number. Explain it's in IRS verification status. - Most schools have procedures for FAFSA verification delays and can still process aid packages. - Request provisional aid consideration based on the initial submission date. This verification usually takes 3-4 weeks, but can take longer with the system overload this year. The good news is that most colleges are aware of these delays and have adjusted their internal processes accordingly.

my sons fafsa was stuck for 6 weeks and then suddenly fixed itself lol. the whole systems a joke

Update: I finally got through to someone at FAFSA (after taking the advice about using Claimyr - it actually worked!) and they confirmed our application is just waiting on IRS verification. They said they can't expedite it, but I also called my son's school and they were super understanding. They said they'll make a note on his file that the FAFSA was submitted before their priority deadline and will hold his aid package. Apparently they're seeing this with tons of students this year. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help!

This is such great news to hear! I'm a parent who went through something similar last year with my older daughter's FAFSA. The key thing you did right was being proactive and contacting the school directly - so many families just wait and hope the FAFSA will magically fix itself. For anyone else reading this thread who's in a similar situation: don't underestimate how understanding financial aid offices can be when you communicate early. They're dealing with these verification delays constantly this year and most have internal processes to handle them. The worst thing you can do is stay silent and miss deadlines without reaching out. Fingers crossed your son's verification processes quickly now! And thanks for updating us - it's really helpful for other families dealing with the same issue.