FAFSA system error when trying to update parent spouse's SSN - stuck in endless loop

Yes! This exact thing happened to me last week. The system seems to have a bug with the spouse SSN field. What worked for me was clearing my browser cache, then using Firefox specifically (Chrome didn't work), and making sure to click 'Save' before trying to correct the SSN field. Also, try doing it during off-peak hours like early morning or late night when the system isn't as loaded down. After my third attempt around 5 AM, it finally accepted my wife's SSN without giving that error message.

im stuck in the same loop for 2 weeks!!! trying to put my husbands ssn in and it keeps kicking me out with that message. called the helpline 3 times and they just tell me to try again later. this whole new system is terrible.

This is a known issue in the new FAFSA system. The problem occurs when the system pre-populates the parent information incorrectly and then can't reconcile the changes you're trying to make. Here's what you need to do: 1. Log in to studentaid.gov using the STUDENT'S account (not parent) 2. Select "Start Over" on your FAFSA application (this won't delete saved info) 3. When you reach the parent section, make sure to manually enter ALL parent information from scratch, even if fields appear pre-filled 4. For the spouse's SSN, enter it IMMEDIATELY when the field appears, before completing any other spouse information 5. Save each page as you go The bug happens because the system sometimes caches incorrect information between sessions. Starting over forces it to clear that cache. If this doesn't work, you may need to call Federal Student Aid directly, though wait times have been extremely long lately.

I had this exact problem and wasted hours trying to fix it! After multiple attempts, I finally got through to an FSA agent by using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a service that holds your place in the phone queue and calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me from waiting on hold for 3+ hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent told me this is a widespread issue affecting parent SSNs specifically. They had me create a new account for my student and start fresh. Apparently, once that field gets corrupted in their system, it's very difficult to fix without starting over. At least the agent was able to expedite our new application.

This is a nightmare!! I'm dealing with the EXACT same error, but my problem is even worse. When I tried to start over like some people suggested, it kept my old incorrect data and STILL shows my husband "doesn't have an SSN" even though he's a citizen with a valid SSN. Our EFC/SAI calculation will be completely wrong without his information. I've tried 12 times now. Called FSA twice and got disconnected both times after 45+ minute waits. My son needs this for his scholarship applications and I'm at my wit's end.

haha welcome to FAFSA 2.0! What a joke! The "simplified" system has been nothing but problems. I spent 3 weeks getting past this same issue. What eventually worked was completing the FAFSA at exactly midnight when the system reset for the day. No idea why that worked but it did. Also, they REALLY need to fix their "save and continue" function because half the time it doesn't actually save your progress. Good luck!

Update for everyone: I just spoke with an FSA support person who confirmed they're working on a patch for this specific SSN bug. It should be fixed in the next system update around the first week of February. If you can wait until then, you might save yourself a lot of frustration. For those with urgent deadlines, the workaround of creating a new student FSA ID and starting fresh seems to be the most reliable solution for now.

UPDATE: Success! After trying pretty much everything suggested here, what finally worked was a combination approach. I created a new FSA ID for my daughter using a different email, started a fresh application at 5:30 AM, used Firefox browser, and made sure to enter my wife's SSN information before anything else on the parent spouse page. Weird combination, but it worked! The system accepted everything and we got through to submission. Thanks everyone for your help! For anyone still struggling, try the early morning hours when the system seems less buggy.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact nightmare last month! The spouse SSN bug is absolutely maddening. What worked for me was a variation of what others have suggested - I used Edge browser, cleared ALL cookies and cache first, then accessed the form around 6 AM when traffic was low. The key thing I discovered was to NOT use any autofill features - type everything manually, especially the SSN. Also, if you see ANY pre-populated information that looks wrong, exit immediately and try again rather than trying to correct it. The system seems to get stuck once it caches incorrect data. It took me 4 attempts over 2 weeks but I finally got through. Hang in there everyone - this system desperately needs fixing but there are workarounds!