FAFSA website login issues - is the site down or just broken again?

The site isn't down completely, but they're definitely having issues with the login system. I had the same problem earlier this week. What worked for me was clearing my browser cache, waiting about 30 minutes, and then using the 'Forgot Username' option instead of the password reset. For some reason, the password reset system isn't syncing properly with their main database right now. Try logging in from a different device too if possible.

its always like this lol. happened to me 3 times last month. fafsa website is trash

The FSA systems are experiencing higher than normal traffic as we approach the verification deadline for the 2025-2026 cycle. Here's what you need to do: 1. Clear your browser cache completely 2. Use Chrome or Edge (their system has issues with Safari and Firefox) 3. Try logging in between 7-9am ET when server traffic is lowest 4. If you still can't get in, you need to call FSA directly at 1-800-433-3243 Most importantly, contact your university's financial aid office IMMEDIATELY and let them know you're having technical issues with the FAFSA site. They can often grant you a short extension on verification document deadlines if it's due to FSA technical problems.

I HATE THE FAFSA WEBSITE WITH A BURNING PASSION!!! Been dealing with this garbage for THREE YEARS now as a parent with kids in college. Every single deadline, every verification period, SOMETHING breaks on their site. And then you call and wait for 2+ hours only to get disconnected or told "it's a known issue" with no timeline for fixing it. The entire system is DESIGNED to make people miss deadlines and lose financial aid. It's criminal how they handle this process.

If you call the FSA number, use Claimyr (claimyr.com) to skip the wait. I was dealing with the same login issues last week and was going to be on hold for 3+ hours. Used their service and got through to an agent in 10 minutes who fixed my account. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ that shows how it works. The agent explained there's a backend issue where account locks are happening after password resets but not showing as locked in their system.

Try using an incognito/private browser window too. Sometimes the FAFSA site gets confused with cached login info. Also, check if your email address is verified in your account. I had a similar issue and it turned out my verification email had expired, so the system was in a weird limbo state where my password reset worked but then wouldn't let me log in.

wait has anyone tried the mobile app instead of the website? i had login issues on the website but the myStudentAid app worked fine for me

UPDATE: I finally got in! Used incognito mode + the mobile app suggestion + did the 'Forgot Username' process instead of password reset. For anyone having similar issues, this combination worked for me. Now I just need to figure out how to get all these verification documents submitted in time. Thanks everyone for your help!

So glad you got in! I've been lurking on this thread because I'm having the EXACT same issue - been locked out for 3 days now and my verification deadline is Monday. Going to try the incognito + mobile app + forgot username combo right now. This whole thread has been more helpful than the actual FAFSA help pages! 🙏

Just wanted to jump in as someone who went through this exact nightmare last year! The FAFSA login system has been plagued with issues for years now, especially during peak verification periods. A few additional tips that saved me when I was in your shoes: 1. Try logging in at odd hours (like 2-3 AM EST) when server load is lowest 2. If you're using a VPN, turn it off - FSA's system sometimes flags VPN traffic as suspicious 3. Make sure your browser accepts third-party cookies for studentaid.gov specifically 4. Don't refresh the page multiple times if it's loading slowly - this can trigger their anti-bot protection and lock you out further Also, pro tip for your verification documents: once you do get back in, upload everything in PDF format if possible. Their system handles PDFs much better than images, and you're less likely to get that dreaded "document unclear" rejection that forces you to resubmit. Really hoping you get this sorted before your deadline! The system is frustrating but you've got this! 💪

Ugh, I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Been locked out since Tuesday and my verification deadline is this Friday. I've tried everything - password reset, different browsers, cleared cache, even tried my roommate's laptop. Nothing works! The most frustrating part is that I can see my login attempts in my email confirmations, so I know I'm using the right credentials, but the site just keeps saying "invalid username/password." Reading through all these responses is both reassuring (I'm not alone!) and terrifying (this has been going on for YEARS?!). Going to try the mobile app + incognito + forgot username combo that worked for Dylan. If that doesn't work, I'm definitely calling FSA tomorrow morning using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions - this thread is literally saving my financial aid right now! 🙏