FAFSA won't let me correct errors for my daughter's application - help!
I'm about to throw my laptop out the window dealing with this FAFSA nightmare! I'm trying to help my daughter with her 2025-2026 application, and it keeps showing errors but WON'T let me correct them! Every time I try to edit the tax information section, it either freezes or says "changes cannot be made at this time." We've tried on 3 different browsers and even my phone. Nothing works!! The worst part is it's showing my income as $87,000 when it should be $61,250 (I took a pay cut this year), and I'm worried this will mess up her SAI score completely. Has anyone else had this problem? Is there some secret trick to get the correction function to actually WORK? Her college priority deadline is in 3 weeks and I'm seriously panicking...
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Nia Thompson
Same thing happened to me last month!!! The correction feature is TOTALLY broken right now. I ended up having to call the Federal Student Aid helpline and stay on hold for literally 2.5 hours before someone helped me. They had to manually override something on their end. Super annoying but at least it got fixed.
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Luca Esposito
•2.5 HOURS?! I don't have that kind of time with my work schedule. There has to be a better way. Did they give you any other options?
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Mateo Rodriguez
it might be because ur trying to change it during processing. my sister had this happen and she had to wait like 3 days after submitting before she could do corrections. try again tomorrow maybe?
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Luca Esposito
•We submitted it 8 days ago though... shouldn't it be out of processing by now? The status just says "Submitted" not "Processing" anymore.
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GalaxyGuardian
This is actually a known issue with the new FAFSA system. There are specific timeframes when corrections can be made. Here's what you need to do: 1. First, check if your application shows as "Processed" not just "Submitted" - corrections can only be made after full processing 2. If it's processed and still won't allow corrections, you need to contact FSA directly 3. Make sure you're using the "Correction" option and not trying to start a new application 4. Document all the errors with screenshots before calling The income correction is especially important since it will significantly impact her SAI calculation. A $25,750 difference in income could change her aid eligibility substantially.
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Luca Esposito
•Thank you for explaining! It does say "Processed" now that I check again. I've tried the correction option (clicked the pencil icon next to each section), but that's exactly where it freezes. I'll try taking screenshots. Do you know the best number to call for FSA? The one on their website just puts me in an endless menu loop.
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Aisha Abdullah
I was stuck in the same situation trying to correct my son's FAFSA last week. After trying for days to get through to FSA's phone line, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in about 15 minutes instead of waiting for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent was able to help me make the corrections right away. For an income difference that big, it's definitely worth getting it fixed because it will completely change your daughter's SAI calculation.
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Luca Esposito
•Thank you so much! I'll check this out right now. I'm desperate at this point and can't afford to miss her school's priority deadline.
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Mateo Rodriguez
•does that actually work? seems sketchy to me but if it gets u past the wait times might b worth it
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Ethan Wilson
OMG the new FAFSA is a DISASTER!!!! I've been working in college financial aid for 7 years and this is the worst rollout I've ever seen. So many students having these exact problems. Just a heads up - if you DO get through to an agent, make sure they note in your file that you TRIED to make corrections but the system wouldn't allow it. That way if you miss any deadlines because of their technical issues, you have documentation to appeal with the colleges.
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GalaxyGuardian
•This is excellent advice. Documentation is critical when dealing with technical issues. Also, OP should email the financial aid offices at the colleges her daughter is applying to and alert them to the situation. Many schools are aware of these FAFSA problems and may have institutional workarounds for affected students.
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Yuki Tanaka
Just wanted to add that this income correction is super important! When my daughter was applying last year, we had a similar income reporting error (though smaller than yours). It affected her SAI by almost 5,000 points, which changed her Pell Grant eligibility completely. Definitely push to get this fixed ASAP. Don't just assume the colleges will figure it out - they work with what the FAFSA gives them.
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Luca Esposito
•That's exactly what I'm worried about. She's already stressed about costs and really counting on financial aid. I'm going to try calling tomorrow morning and use that Claimyr thing if I can't get through.
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Carmen Diaz
not to be confusing but are you sure you're trying to update the right year's FAFSA? i accidently tried to update my 2024-2025 FAFSA with my new tax info when i should have been working on the 2025-2026 one... wasted like a week figuring that out lol
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Luca Esposito
•Yep, definitely working on the 2025-2026 application. Double-checked that when we first started having problems. Good thought though!
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GalaxyGuardian
Quick update on this issue: The Department of Education just acknowledged this specific correction bug yesterday. They're supposedly implementing a fix in the next system update (scheduled for this weekend). If you can wait until Monday, you might be able to make the corrections without calling. If not, definitely use the direct contact methods others have suggested.
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Luca Esposito
•Thank you for the update! Her earliest priority deadline is in 16 days, so I think I'll try calling today just to be safe. I don't want to risk waiting for a fix that might get delayed again.
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Luca Esposito
UPDATE: I finally got through to a real person at FSA this morning using that Claimyr service someone recommended. Only took about 20 minutes to connect! The agent confirmed it's a known system issue affecting lots of people. She made the income correction on her end and said it should be reprocessed within 3-5 days. She also added a note to our file explaining the delay was caused by their system error. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and advice.
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Ethan Wilson
•That's great! Make sure to check back in 5 days to confirm the changes actually processed correctly. I've seen cases where the corrections didn't stick the first time. Also, once you get the new SAI, send screenshots to all her schools so they have it on file.
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Nia Thompson
•So glad you got it fixed! The whole system is such a mess this year.
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Gianna Scott
Wow, what a relief that you got it sorted out! This whole thread is going to be so helpful for other parents dealing with the same nightmare. I'm bookmarking this in case I run into similar issues with my younger son's FAFSA next year. The new system really has been a complete disaster - it's crazy that families have to jump through all these hoops just to get basic corrections made. Thanks for updating us with the solution that actually worked!
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