FAFSA website keeps showing 'unavailable' error - can't access application on desktop

same here!! been trying since tuesday and nothing works. tried on my laptop and also on my bf's computer. so frustrating!!!!!

This happened to me last week. What fixed it for me was trying at non-peak hours - I finally got in around 5:30am when server load was lower. Also make sure you're using a desktop/laptop and not a phone, as mobile compatibility has been spotty with the new SAI calculation requirements for 2025-2026.

It's actually a known issue with the studentaid.gov site right now. They're having server capacity problems because of the rush to complete applications before the priority deadlines. The system is designed to handle normal traffic but struggles during peak periods. A few things that might help: 1. Try accessing the site between 11pm-6am Eastern Time 2. Make sure your browser is completely updated 3. Disable any browser extensions/add-ons temporarily 4. Try an incognito/private browsing window If you absolutely need to complete your FAFSA soon and can't get through, you might need to call FSA directly. Though getting through to them can be another challenge entirely.

idk if this helps but my cousin said the site works better if u save after each page? like dont try to do it all at once. also heard mobile actually works ok? worth a try maybe

I used Claimyr to get through to a real FSA agent about this exact problem yesterday. They connected me to someone at Federal Student Aid in about 10 minutes when I'd been trying to call directly for days with no luck. The agent was able to check my application status and give me specific instructions for my browser settings. If you're still stuck, might be worth checking out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration.

As an update - the Department of Education just posted on their Twitter that they're aware of the ongoing issues with the FAFSA website and are deploying additional server capacity this weekend. They're recommending students try again after Sunday evening when the updates should be complete. If you have a pressing deadline, I'd suggest documenting your attempts to access the system (screenshots of errors, dates/times) as many schools will grant extensions due to the documented technical difficulties. This has been happening every year since they updated to the new SAI system, unfortunately.

I HATE THE FAFSA WEBSITE SO MUCH!!!! This happens EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. You'd think with all the $$$ they collect they could build a website that actually WORKS. I missed my priority deadline last year because of their "technical difficulties" and lost out on $3500 in institutional grants. The whole system is rigged to make it harder for students who actually need the money.

UPDATE: I just checked the Federal Student Aid social media accounts and they've acknowledged the ongoing technical issues. They're recommending: 1. Trying the site during off-peak hours (late night/early morning) 2. Using the FAFSA mobile app as an alternative 3. If you have a deadline approaching, contact your school's financial aid office ASAP to notify them of the technical difficulties Many schools are being flexible with deadlines due to the known system issues. Just make sure you document your attempts (screenshots of error messages with dates/times visible).

For what it's worth, I just tried again and got in successfully! Looks like they might have fixed some of the issues. I'd recommend trying again now if you can.

Glad to hear you finally got through! I'm dealing with the same issue right now and this thread has been super helpful. I've been getting the "unavailable" error for the past two days but haven't tried the early morning approach yet. Definitely going to set my alarm for 5:30am tomorrow and give it a shot. Also going to contact my financial aid office today to let them know about the technical difficulties just in case. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and workarounds!

I'm running into this exact same problem! Been trying for 4 days straight and keep getting kicked out right when I'm entering my parent's W-2 information. It's so frustrating because I can see other parts of my application are saving but then I get the "system temporarily unavailable" message. My school's priority deadline is next Friday so I'm getting really stressed. Going to try the 5:30am approach tomorrow - fingers crossed! Has anyone had luck with the mobile app specifically, or is desktop still the way to go once you can actually get connected?