FAFSA timing for triplets entering college in 2025 - single mom with deceased spouse

First, I'm so sorry about your loss. For the 2025-2026 FAFSA, you should submit as close to December 1, 2024 as possible (that's when it opens for that academic year). You only need to complete ONE FAFSA form, but each child will need their own FSA ID. You'll list all colleges they're applying to on that single form, and yes, having multiple dependents in college simultaneously will SIGNIFICANTLY improve your aid eligibility through a more favorable SAI calculation. Make sure you have your 2023 tax information ready since that's what they'll use for the 2025-2026 FAFSA. Also, be prepared to enter information about your late husband's death certificate as they may require that documentation.

I was in your shoes 4 years ago with twins (not triplets tho, WOW!) and it was SCARY. The FAFSA will absolutely account for multiple kids in college - it basically divides your expected contribution among all your kids in school. Made a HUGE difference for us!! Fill it out ASAP when it opens in December. Also apply for as many private scholarships as you can now. Start looking at specific schools too because some have special scholarships for multiples!

One important point about your situation - since your husband passed away, your children might qualify for Social Security survivor benefits while they're in college (up to age 23 in some cases). These benefits can help with college costs and don't count against your FAFSA eligibility in most cases. Contact your local Social Security office right away to check on this if you haven't already.

OK so youll need to get your taxes done for 2023 like super organized because with 3 kids they will look at EVERYTHING. my sister did fafsa for twins and got audited and had to provide every bank statement, its called verification and it suuuucks. make sure u have all your paperwork!

When I did my FAFSA last year I couldn't get through to anyone on the phone for weeks when I had questions about my dad's disability income. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to a Federal Student Aid agent in 10 minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ. Seriously saved me so much stress, especially when dealing with multiple forms and complicated family situations.

I work in a college financial aid office. A few critical points for your situation: 1. Your student aid index (SAI) will be divided by the number of family members in college 2. You should complete the FAFSA as early as possible after Dec 1, 2024 3. Each child needs their own FSA ID (they create these themselves, not you) 4. You'll need to list each school for each child 5. Your children may qualify for additional Pell Grant funding due to your loss Be sure to contact each college's financial aid office directly about your unique situation with triplets and being a widow. Many schools have institutional funds they can use to help in special circumstances.

When I filed FAFSA last year, the system kept crashing when I tried to add multiple schools!!! The whole thing is a NIGHTMARE and they make it impossible to reach anyone for help. I had to resubmit three times and then they randomly selected me for verification which delayed everything by months!! Just warning you that the system is broken and you should start early because it's going to be a DISASTER with three kids trust me.

To answer your follow-up question - you should contact financial aid offices AFTER you've submitted the FAFSA, but BEFORE they finalize aid packages. Generally January/February is ideal timing. Use these specific terms when you contact them: "special circumstances review," "professional judgment request," and "dependency multiplier for multiples." These are trigger terms that financial aid officers recognize for cases like yours that deserve additional consideration.

For documentation of special circumstances, you'll typically need: - Death certificate for your spouse - Updated income information (recent pay stubs) - Statement of special circumstances (a letter explaining your situation) - Any major medical bills or unusual expenses - Documentation of any life insurance proceeds Keep in mind that each school has their own forms and processes for professional judgment reviews, so ask each financial aid office for their specific requirements.

One more thing! Make sure your triplets each apply to a range of schools - some more affordable and some reach schools. With multiple kids, having choice is important. My twins ended up at different schools based on aid packages. Don't assume they all have to go to the same place!

Actually they LOVED being at different schools! They got to develop their own identities and then would share their experiences when home on breaks. One got much more aid at a private school while the other got a merit scholarship at our state university. Let your triplets each choose based on their programs and the aid packages offered - it actually worked out perfectly for us financially and personally!

When my son went to college in 2023 they didn't care that my husband died they still asked for all his information on the FAFSA can you believe it?? I had to call them like 5 times to explain he was DECEASED and they kept sending verification requests for his tax forms!!! The system is BROKEN!!! I'm still angry about it tbh

Thank you all so much for the advice and support. I feel much more prepared now. I'll definitely start getting organized with all the documentation, help my triplets create their FSA IDs in advance, and submit as close to December 1st as possible. I'll also look into the Social Security survivor benefits and start researching schools with good aid packages for multiples. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to share your experiences and expertise!