How to add multiple children to StudentAid.gov FAFSA parent account?
I'm pulling my hair out trying to figure this out! I successfully completed and submitted my daughter's 2025-2026 FAFSA two days ago (got the confirmation email and everything), but now I can't figure out how to add my son's FAFSA to my parent account. When I log in, it only shows my daughter's application. I've clicked everywhere on the dashboard looking for an "add student" button or something similar but there's nothing! Do I need to create a separate parent account for each child? That seems ridiculous. Has anyone successfully added multiple students to one parent account on the new StudentAid.gov system? Thanks for any help!!
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Diego Fernández
You don't need to create a new parent account. On the StudentAid.gov dashboard, there should be an option labeled "Start a FAFSA Form" or "Complete a FAFSA Form" even though you've already done one. When you click that, you'll need to enter your son's information (not yours) - his SSN, name, DOB, etc. The system will recognize you're creating a new application for a different student, but connected to your parent profile. Make sure your son has created his own FSA ID first though - each student needs their own separate FSA ID.
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Chloe Martin
•Thanks for the quick response! I tried clicking "Start FAFSA Form" again but it keeps taking me back to my daughter's application that's already submitted. Do I need to use my son's FSA ID to start his application instead of using my parent FSA ID? I'm confused about the whole parent/student login process with multiple kids.
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Anastasia Kuznetsov
I went through this exact process last month with my twins. Here's what you need to do step-by-step: 1. Your son needs his own FSA ID (completely separate from your daughter's) 2. Have your son log in with HIS FSA ID (not yours as the parent) 3. He starts his own FAFSA application 4. When he gets to the parent section, he'll add your email address 5. You'll get an email invitation to contribute to his FAFSA 6. You log in with YOUR parent FSA ID when prompted 7. Complete the parent section Basically, each student initiates their own application. The system links them to your parent profile when they enter your info. You don't add students to your account - they add you as their parent to their applications.
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Chloe Martin
•That makes so much more sense! So I've been approaching this completely backwards. I thought I could initiate all the applications from my parent account, but each student needs to start their own. My son has his FSA ID already, so I'll have him login and start his application. Thank you!
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Sean Fitzgerald
u have to use your kids login not yours. each kid does there own then adds you as parent. thats how mine worked anyways
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Zara Khan
The new FAFSA system is so confusing! I was stuck on this same issue for days trying to file for my three college kids!
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MoonlightSonata
I had this EXACT problem last week and wasted hours trying to figure it out. The process is not intuitive at all. I eventually had to call Federal Student Aid directly, but was on hold for nearly 2 hours before getting disconnected. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that held my place in line and called me back when an agent was available. The agent confirmed what others here said - each student has to initiate their own application first. They actually have a video that explains the process too: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ - saved me a ton of frustration!
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Mateo Gonzalez
•Is that service legit? I've been trying to call the FAFSA helpline for THREE DAYS and keep getting disconnected after waiting an hour+. I'm desperate at this point because my twins' financial aid packages are on hold until we get this sorted out.
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MoonlightSonata
•Yes, it's legitimate. I was skeptical too but it worked exactly as advertised. The agent I spoke with was definitely from Federal Student Aid and was able to answer all my questions about the multiple student process. Well worth it to not spend hours on hold!
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Nia Williams
Ughhh the fafsa site is THE WORST!!!! I have triplets in college and it was a NIGHTMARE figuring this out. Why don't they make this clearer on their website?!?? The whole system is designed to make us fail I swear
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Chloe Martin
UPDATE: Success! I had my son login with his FSA ID and start his own application. When he got to the parent contribution section, he entered my email and I received a link to contribute. When I clicked the link and logged in with my parent FSA ID, I could then see BOTH my children's applications on my dashboard! Thanks everyone for your help - the system is definitely not intuitive but we got there in the end.
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Diego Fernández
•Glad it worked out! Yes, it's definitely not intuitive, but once you understand the student-initiated process, it makes managing multiple FAFSAs much easier. Now that both applications are linked to your parent account, you'll be able to see their status updates and SAI calculations all in one place. Remember that if your financial information changes, you'll need to update it on each student's application separately.
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Sean Fitzgerald
can someone explain why my sons SAI is different from my daughters even tho im the same parent with same income??? makes no sense
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Anastasia Kuznetsov
•Several factors can cause siblings to have different SAI calculations even with the same parental information: 1. Age differences (older students have different dependency calculations) 2. Different student income/assets 3. Different number of family members in college during each award year 4. Different program types (graduate vs undergraduate) 5. Special circumstances noted on one application but not the other If the difference is significant and doesn't make sense based on these factors, you might want to contact your financial aid office to verify there wasn't an error in one application.
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