FAFSA 'system generated review' appeared after receiving aid offers - possible increase?

This happens sometimes when the Department of Education runs automated verification checks on a subset of applications. It doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem, but they might be double-checking certain data points. I've seen these reviews triggered by things like slight discrepancies between tax return info and what was entered manually, or unusual changes in income from previous years that weren't explained in the comments section. While I can't say for certain, in my experience these reviews rarely result in increased aid - they're mostly compliance checks. However, you should definitely monitor your account as any changes to your SAI could affect your awards (either up or down).

omg same thing happened to me!!! my brothers app got flagged for review AFTER we got offers from 2 schools!! we waited like 10 days and nothing changed so dont stress too much

I work in a university financial aid office, and I can tell you that 'system generated reviews' typically don't result in more money. These reviews are usually initiated when the system flags potential inconsistencies in your application data. The Department of Education has automated systems that compare your FAFSA information against tax records, Social Security Administration data, and other federal databases. They're looking for things like: - Citizenship status verification - Selective Service registration (for male students) - Default status on previous federal loans - Unusual or inconsistent income reporting - Identity verification My recommendation: Don't wait for this to resolve itself. Call FSA directly at 1-800-433-3243 to ask about the specific reason for the review and what documentation they might need from you. Be prepared for a long wait time though - this is their busy season.

Honestly, I think the whole FAFSA system is designed to be confusing and frustrating. They probably just want to make it harder for people to get aid!!! I had THREE different "reviews" on my application this year - first they said my signature was missing (it wasn't), then they needed "additional verification" of my dad's income (which we already submitted), and THEN they put us under "system review" for two weeks with ZERO explanation. And guess what? Nothing changed with our aid package after all that!!! Just more bureaucratic BS to stress everyone out. The system is RIGGED against regular families!!!

Wait it out. My son's application went under review in February after we got his first aid package from State U. We panicked and called everyone - FAFSA, the school, even our tax accountant lol. In the end, nothing changed with his aid package, and the review disappeared after about 3 weeks. Total waste of time and stress.

Nope! Never got an explanation. The FAFSA rep just said it was "standard procedure" and wouldn't give details. So much for transparency...

Just to follow up on my earlier comment - while most system reviews don't result in increased aid, there are exceptions. If the review discovers that you've been eligible for something you didn't receive (like Pell Grant eligibility that was missed), your SAI could be adjusted favorably. However, these situations are relatively uncommon. More typically, these reviews either find no issues (no change to aid) or discover discrepancies that might increase your SAI (reducing aid). That's why I recommend being proactive about resolving the review rather than waiting.

When you call, have these ready: - Your FSA ID login information - Student's Social Security number (and parent's if dependent student) - The specific date you noticed the review status - Any reference numbers from your original confirmation - Details about the schools you've already received aid offers from Make sure to specifically ask: 1. What triggered the review 2. What documentation they need (if any) 3. The estimated timeline for resolution 4. Whether you need to notify your schools about the review 5. If there's a way to expedite the process Document the call details including the representative's name and any case number they provide.

I just went through this last month! In my case, they were reviewing my sister's independent status verification (she's 24 but our parents still claimed her on taxes). The review actually DID increase her aid by making her eligible for a higher Pell Grant amount. So yes, occasionally these reviews can work in your favor! I recommend calling to find out exactly what they're reviewing rather than waiting.

It took about 2 weeks from when we first saw the review notice until we got an email saying the review was complete. Then the schools received the updated information about 3-4 days later and adjusted her aid packages. So maybe 3 weeks total? But this was in January before the major FAFSA backlog, so it might take longer now.

Update from someone who's been through this process multiple times: if you've already received aid offers from schools, you don't necessarily need to panic. Even if your SAI changes slightly after the review, many schools won't adjust your financial aid package unless there's a substantial change (usually over 10-15% difference in your SAI). Some schools have a policy of honoring their initial aid offer even if your FAFSA gets adjusted later, especially if you're close to the deposit deadline. If you're really concerned, contact the financial aid offices at the specific schools rather than just FAFSA.

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at FSA this morning! Apparently the review was triggered because my employer submitted a corrected W-2 in February (there was a small error in reported retirement contributions that changed our AGI by about $200). The agent said the review is standard procedure when tax documents get amended, and that such a small change wouldn't impact our SAI enough to change aid offers. She marked our file as urgent since we're approaching decision deadlines, and said the review should be completed within 5-7 business days. Thanks everyone for your advice!