FAFSA submitted 3 weeks ago - no SAI score yet for scholarship deadlines

This happened to me too!!! My application has been stuck on 'processing' for almost 4 weeks. I tried calling the FSA number FIVE TIMES and either got disconnected or was on hold for 2+ hours before giving up. Their system is a total disaster this year with all the FAFSA Simplification changes. My son's counselor said they're seeing delays across the board. Not very 'simplified' if you ask me!

I'm a financial aid advisor at a community college, and we're seeing processing times of 3-5 weeks right now, which is longer than usual. The FAFSA Simplification Act changes created a backlog. If your scholarship deadlines are coming up, I recommend contacting each scholarship program directly to explain the situation. Many are aware of the FAFSA delays and may allow you to submit your application with a note that you'll send the SAI as soon as it's available. Keep documentation of your FAFSA submission date.

my daughter got her SAI in like 5 days but that was back in october before everyone started applying lol... maybe call them?

After dealing with the same issue last month, I finally got through to a FAFSA agent using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They skip you past the hold queue so you actually get to talk to someone. The agent told me there was a verification flag on my application that wasn't showing up on the website. Got it resolved in one call after weeks of frustration. Check out their demo video if you're curious how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ

This FAFSA cycle is massively delayed. The department is overwhelmed with the new system. For your scholarships, here's what to do immediately: 1. Print your FAFSA confirmation page showing submission date 2. Write a brief letter explaining the delay is on FSA's end 3. Contact each scholarship directly (phone, not email) 4. Ask for conditional consideration pending SAI receipt Most scholarship committees are aware of the nationwide delays and have procedures to accommodate applicants. Document EVERYTHING. If one person says they'll accept your application conditionally, get their name and follow up with an email confirmation.

Theres actually a glitch in the systm where some applications get stuck in processing but theres actually an error they never tell you about!!! my brother's application was stuck for 6 WEEKS untill we finally got thru to someone who told us there was a mismatch with his birthdate on the Social Security records vs what we entered. check ALL your info carefully and maybe try resubmitting?

Just a quick follow-up on this thread. The Department of Education announced yesterday they're adding additional staff to process applications. They acknowledged the delays and said they're working to reduce processing time. If you've been waiting more than 4 weeks, I'd recommend trying to contact them directly as there might be an unnotified issue with your application.