FAFSA submitted Monday but no SAI number yet - normal processing time?

In my experience, it's taking 5-7 business days for most people to get their SAI numbers this application cycle. The system is definitely slower than last year. As long as your application status shows "processing" and not "action required" or "rejected", you should be fine! Just keep checking daily.

mine took 12 days lol... the system is CRAZY backed up right now bc of all the recent changes to the formulas. just wait it out

My son's SAI calculation took 9 business days to process last month. For the scholarship deadlines, many schools will accept a screenshot of your completed submission confirmation page if you explain that you're waiting for the official SAI. I'd recommend contacting each scholarship organization to see if they'll grant an exception or extension since the processing delays are a well-known issue this year. The new FAFSA Simplification Act implementation has caused significant backups in the system.

If it's been more than 7 business days, you might want to contact Federal Student Aid directly. There could be an issue with your application that isn't showing up in the status. Sometimes there are verification flags or data conflicts that need resolution before they can calculate the SAI. The processing time ranges from 3-14 days normally, but if there's any discrepancy between your tax information and what they have on file, it can take longer. Double-check that all your W-2 information and tax return data was entered correctly.

Good luck trying to call FSA directly! I spent 3 HOURS on hold last week and then got disconnected. Their call system is completely overwhelmed right now with the application volume. If you do need to talk to someone, I'd recommend using Claimyr.com - it's this service that holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me tons of time. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ that shows how it works. I was skeptical but it actually got me through to fix our verification issues.

HOLD THE PHONE!!!! Didnt anyone tell you?? If you have any Parent PLUS loans or defaulted loans from the past, they WONT process your FAFSA until you fix those!! My niece waited 3 WEEKS before finding out that was why her SAI was stuck!!! Check if you have any old loans in the system!!

I work in a college financial aid office, and I can tell you that processing times are definitely running longer this year. What many families don't realize is that the Department of Education does batch processing - meaning they process applications in large groups, not continuously. So sometimes you hit the timing just right and get your SAI in 2 days, sometimes it takes 10+ days if you just missed a batch. If you need the SAI urgently for scholarships, here's what I recommend: 1. Email each scholarship organization explaining the delay is on the federal side and ask for an accommodation 2. Take screenshots of your submitted application confirmation 3. If it's been more than 10 business days, call FSA at 1-800-433-3243 4. For schools, most will work with you on institutional aid even without the official SAI The most important thing is that your application shows "processing" and not "rejected" or "action required.

Has anyone found that certain browsers work better for checking FAFSA status? I remember last year we couldn't see our processed SAI in Chrome but when we switched to Firefox it magically appeared. Maybe check using a different browser just in case?

Just checking back - did your SAI ever show up? I'm curious because my nephew just submitted his FAFSA and we're trying to gauge timing expectations.