FAFSA won't save my corrected Social Security Number - need urgent fix

Unfortunately, SSN corrections are considered identity verification issues, so they almost always require speaking with a live agent. They're super strict about this because of fraud concerns. You have three options: 1. Take a quick break during work and find a private spot to make the call (should take 15-20 mins total once you reach someone) 2. Ask for a half-day or come in late one day specifically to handle this 3. Try calling during your lunch break, but wait times can be 30+ minutes during peak season The longer you wait, the more likely your application processing will be delayed. SSN errors can sometimes trigger verification flags too, which adds even more paperwork.

cant u just submit a new fafsa with correct ssn? thats what my brother did last yr when he messed up his and it worked fine

I had the EXACT same problem last year! The SSN field has this weird glitch where it looks like it's saving but actually isn't. Try this workaround that fixed it for me: 1. Log out completely 2. Clear browser cache AND cookies 3. Use Chrome specifically (Firefox didn't work for me) 4. Log back in but don't go straight to the SSN field 5. First go to your profile section and update something minor (like add a middle initial if you don't have one, or change your phone number slightly) 6. Save that change first 7. THEN go edit your SSN 8. Save again No idea why this worked, but it did for me! The system needed some other field to be changed first before it would accept the SSN change.

Have you tried calling outside their "recommended" hours? The FAFSA hotline is actually open until 11pm Eastern on weekdays. The wait times after 5pm are usually shorter too. I've called around 6-7pm before and got through in about 15 minutes.

I went through this exact nightmare last year. After trying for WEEKS to get through on the phone (kept getting disconnected after waiting 45+ minutes), I finally used Claimyr.com to reach a live FAFSA agent without the wait. You pay a fee but it was worth it to fix my SSN issue in one call. They connected me directly to an agent who fixed it while I was on the phone. You can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent told me SSN corrections specifically require human verification for security reasons, so there's unfortunately no way around talking to someone.

why is everything with fafsa so complicated?? my cousin had wrong birthdate and it took him 3 weeks to fix it

Update: I just checked the Federal Student Aid website and it looks like they've added a secure message center option in your studentaid.gov account. Have you tried sending a message through there instead of regular email? Some people in another thread said they were able to handle SSN corrections that way.

Did you try the workaround I mentioned? Any luck with it?

Just to clarify some misinformation in this thread: 1. SSN corrections DO require verification with a live agent - this is non-negotiable due to federal regulations 2. The FAFSA support line is open Monday-Friday 8am-11pm Eastern Time 3. You CAN submit SSN corrections through the secure message center, but you'll still need to provide additional verification documents 4. If your school's financial aid priority deadline is approaching, contact your school's financial aid office and explain the situation - they can sometimes make accommodations pending the correction 5. The red flag you're seeing is normal for identity changes and doesn't mean your application is being denied SSN errors are among the most common FAFSA mistakes, so you're definitely not alone in this!

I just went through this same SSN correction nightmare two months ago! Here's what finally worked for me after trying everything mentioned here: I called the FAFSA line at exactly 8:00pm Eastern (they close at 11pm) and got through in under 20 minutes. The evening agents seem to have more time to walk you through the verification process step by step. The agent had me upload a clear photo of my Social Security card directly through the secure message center while we were on the phone, and they were able to remove the verification flag immediately. The whole call took about 15 minutes once connected. Pro tip: Have your Social Security card, driver's license, and your FSA ID login info ready before you call. They'll ask for all three to verify your identity before making the correction. Don't stress too much about the 6-week deadline - once the SSN is corrected and verified, your application will process normally. Good luck!

I'm dealing with something similar right now - trying to correct my birthdate on my FAFSA and running into the same verification issues. @Emma Taylor, when you uploaded your Social Security card photo, did they accept a phone photo or did it need to be scanned? Also, did the agent stay on the line while you uploaded it, or did you have to call back after uploading? I'm hoping to get this sorted out before my school's deadline too. Thanks for sharing your experience - it gives me hope that there's actually a solution that works!