FAFSA suddenly allowing parent signature after processing - worried about glitches
After waiting for 3 weeks, our FAFSA application status finally changed from 'submitted' to 'processed' this morning! Now it's letting us add the parent signature that was causing problems before. I'm super anxious about touching anything because the site kept crashing when we tried to submit initially. Has anyone successfully added parent signatures AFTER the application was processed? I'm terrified of messing something up and having to start over when we're this close to finishing. The deadline for my daughter's school priority consideration is next week!
18 comments
Join the conversation
Rachel Clark
I successfully added a parent signature after processing last week. The system is definitely glitchy but it worked fine in my case. Make sure to use the same FSA ID that was used for the initial parent information, and don't refresh or hit back while it's processing. I'd recommend doing it during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) when the site traffic is lower.
0 coins
Chris King
•Thank you! Did it change your SAI calculation at all when you added the signature? That's what I'm most worried about - we finally got a number we can work with.
0 coins
Zachary Hughes
mine got glitchy when i tried to add my moms signature too but it worked the 3rd time. just dont exit the browser while its loading
0 coins
Chris King
•That's reassuring to hear. Did you have to wait until a specific time of day for it to work?
0 coins
Mia Alvarez
Adding signatures after processing is completely normal and won't affect your SAI calculation. The system actually separates the calculation process from the signature verification process. Your SAI is based on the information you've already submitted, so adding the signature later is just completing the verification step. If you're worried about technical glitches, try these steps: 1. Clear your browser cache before starting 2. Use Chrome or Edge (the site has issues with Safari and Firefox) 3. Don't use the back button - use the navigation within the site 4. Have the parent with the FSA ID log in directly rather than using the transfer option The signature page can time out after about 15-20 minutes of inactivity, so have everything ready before you start.
0 coins
Chris King
•This is incredibly helpful information! I didn't realize the signature wouldn't affect our SAI. We'll definitely use Chrome and make sure to have everything ready beforehand. Thank you so much for the detailed advice.
0 coins
Carter Holmes
I had THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE last month and it turned into a COMPLETE NIGHTMARE!!! The system crashed when my husband tried adding his signature after processing and then the entire application got LOCKED for "inconsistent information" even though we didn't change anything!!! We tried calling FSA for TWO WEEKS straight and couldn't get through to a human being. My son almost missed his priority deadline because of this stupid system!!!
0 coins
Chris King
•Oh no, that sounds awful! Were you eventually able to get it unlocked? I'm getting really nervous now.
0 coins
Carter Holmes
We FINALLY got it fixed but only after I spent 3 days calling nonstop. The people who designed this system should be FIRED! The worst part was sitting on hold for 2+ hours only to get disconnected right before reaching someone. Absolute waste of time and caused so much stress for our family.
0 coins
Sophia Long
•I had a similar issue trying to reach FSA last month. After getting disconnected four times, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual person at FSA without the endless hold times. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ - it basically holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration when I needed to get my parent's signature issue fixed. Their website is claimyr.com if anyone needs it.
0 coins
Angelica Smith
my dad added his signature 2 days after our fafsa got processed & it worked fine. the website is def buggy tho so do it when u have time to troubleshoot if needed. our efc (or SAI i guess they call it now lol) stayed the same after he signed
0 coins
Chris King
•Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful to know that your SAI didn't change.
0 coins
Rachel Clark
One thing I forgot to mention - take screenshots of each confirmation page as you go through the signature process. That way if something does glitch, you have documentation of how far you got and what the system confirmed. I learned this the hard way with my first student's FAFSA.
0 coins
Chris King
•That's brilliant advice! I'll definitely take screenshots throughout the process. Thank you for the tip.
0 coins
Logan Greenburg
I remember when we had to mail paper FAFSA forms! The online system may be glitchy, but at least we don't have to wait weeks for the mail anymore. Anyway, to your question - yes, my wife added her signature after processing last month and everything went fine. Just make sure you're on a stable internet connection and don't use a mobile device.
0 coins
Chris King
•Oh wow, I can't imagine having to mail everything in! Thanks for the advice about not using a mobile device - I was actually planning to use my iPad so I'm glad you mentioned that.
0 coins
Chris King
UPDATE: We successfully added my husband's signature this morning! I followed all your advice - used Chrome, cleared cache, took screenshots, and did it early in the morning (5:30 AM). The status now shows "Completed" and our SAI stayed the same. Thank you all for your help!
0 coins
Mia Alvarez
•Great news! Glad everything worked out smoothly. Now that your FAFSA is complete, keep an eye on your student's college portals. Many schools will request additional verification documents even after a successful FAFSA submission. Around 30% of applications get selected for verification, so don't be alarmed if you get those requests.
0 coins