FAFSA submission by mail when parents don't have SSNs - will it work?

Yes, you absolutely can submit a paper FAFSA when your parents don't have SSNs! I work at a college financial aid office and we help students with this situation all the time. Here's what you should do: 1. Download and print the PDF FAFSA form from studentaid.gov 2. For your parents without SSNs, enter 000-00-0000 in those fields 3. Make sure ALL other information is complete and accurate (especially your own SSN and the income information) 4. Mail it to the address listed on the form with plenty of time before your deadline Your SAI (Student Aid Index) calculation won't be affected by your parents' citizenship status - only their income information matters. Just make sure you fill out all the financial information completely.

i tried doing this last year but my application got delayed for like 2 months bc they had to verify everything manually... online is way faster if u can figure out how to make it work

The online FAFSA does allow for parents without SSNs, but the instructions aren't very clear. You need to select the option that says "My parent does not have an SSN" when it asks for parent information. Don't try to enter all zeros online - that will cause errors. If the online system still gives you trouble, the paper form is a perfectly valid option, but paper forms do take longer to process (typically 3-4 weeks vs. 3-7 days for online submissions). Also, make sure you're using the correct form for 2025-2026! The FAFSA had major changes recently.

If you need to contact the Federal Student Aid office directly about this issue, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation with my parents' information and spent days trying to reach someone at FSA. Finally used Claimyr and got through to an agent in about 10 minutes who helped me complete my application correctly. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent I spoke with confirmed that paper applications for parents without SSNs are processed regularly, but they do take longer. They suggested I try the online application one more time with their specific guidance, and it worked!

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE IT HARDER FOR IMMIGRANT FAMILIES!! It's ridiculous that they make it so complicated when your parents don't have SSNs. My sister had to submit THREE TIMES last year because they kept sending verification requests for the exact same documents. By the time it was processed, she missed priority deadlines for two schools. 😡 The paper form DOES work but expect delays and more verification requests than usual. Start calling your state grant agency NOW to ask for exceptions if you're cutting it close to deadlines.

One important tip I forgot to mention - when you mail in your paper FAFSA, use certified mail with tracking! That way you have proof of when you submitted it, which can be crucial if you need to prove you met deadlines for state aid. Also make copies of EVERYTHING before you send it.

u should also check if ur school has a FAFSA workshop or financial aid advisors that can help. my community college had ppl who would sit with u and fill it out togther

my cousin had same problem last year. ended up going to the financial aid office at his school and they helped him submit it online somehow. not sure exactly what they did but it worked and he got all his aid. worth trying!!

Yes, definitely talk to your high school counselor! Many high schools have FAFSA completion events specifically to help with these situations. They often have direct contacts at the Federal Student Aid office too. Also - very important - when completing the FAFSA (paper or online), make absolutely sure you're entering the correct Alien Registration Numbers (A-Numbers) if your parents have them, even if they don't have SSNs. This can make a huge difference in processing time.

I went through this exact same situation two years ago! My parents are permanent residents but didn't have SSNs at the time. Here's what worked for me: First, try the online FAFSA one more time with the A-Numbers like Oliver mentioned - that's KEY! When you get to the parent section, look for "My parent does not have an SSN" checkbox rather than trying to enter zeros. If online still doesn't work, the paper route is totally legitimate. I actually did mine on paper and it took about 4 weeks to process, but I got all my aid. Just make sure to: - Use the current 2025-26 FAFSA form - Enter 000-00-0000 for parent SSNs - Include A-Numbers if they have them - Double-check all income information - Send certified mail with tracking Don't panic about the 3-week deadline - most state aid programs have some flexibility if you can show proof of submission. Call your state's student aid office to let them know your situation. They deal with this all the time and are usually understanding about processing delays for mixed-status families. You've got this! The system is confusing but thousands of students in your situation get their aid every year.