How to correct EFC determination questions on submitted FAFSA?

You don't need to submit a whole new application! Log into studentaid.gov, click on "Manage FAFSA" and then "Make FAFSA Corrections." You can edit most of the financial information there and resubmit. The schools you listed will automatically receive the updated information. Just make sure you have accurate documentation for any changes you make, especially regarding retirement accounts and investment properties, as these often get reported incorrectly.

I had to correct my SAI calculation info last year. The Make FAFSA Corrections option works, but be aware that if your school has already downloaded your FAFSA data, you should also email their financial aid office to let them know you've submitted corrections. Some schools don't automatically check for updates. Also, if your SAI changes significantly, they might ask for additional documentation to verify the new information.

what exactly did u mess up? some of the asset questioms dint matter as much as others. retirement accounts for ur parents dont count twards EFC usually so if u messed up there it might not be a huge deal

This is actually a very common issue! The SAI (formerly EFC) questions about assets can be confusing. Just to clarify some points: 1. Protected retirement accounts (401k, IRA) should NOT be included as investments 2. Investment properties ARE reportable, but you only report the net value (value minus debt) 3. Your primary home is NOT reported When you make corrections, take your time and read each question carefully. And don't worry - literally thousands of people make similar mistakes every year.

LOL i did the EXACT same thing my first time!! Counted my dads 401k as investments and our SAI came back WAY higher than it should have been. almost had a panic attack when i saw the number. definitely fix it ASAP!!!

I tried calling the Federal Student Aid helpline about correcting my FAFSA for DAYS and couldn't get through to anyone. Ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get a callback from an actual FSA agent who walked me through exactly what I needed to fix for my SAI calculation. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ Totally worth it to get personalized help with something this important. The agent explained exactly which questions I had answered incorrectly and how to properly report our family business assets.

Just wanted to add that FAFSA corrections typically process within 3-5 days, but can sometimes take up to 2 weeks during peak periods. Since we're not in the main application season right now, your corrections should process fairly quickly. Also, make sure to print out a copy of your correction confirmation page as proof that you submitted the changes before your school's deadline, just in case there are any questions later.

The SAI recalculation typically happens within 3-5 days after the corrections are processed. So realistically, you're looking at about 1-2 weeks total from submission of corrections to getting your new SAI. One more tip: after your corrections are processed, download and save a PDF copy of your corrected FAFSA for your records. This has saved me multiple times when there were questions about what information I submitted.

Glad you're feeling better about this! One final suggestion - after making your corrections, consider using the Federal Student Aid Estimator tool on studentaid.gov to get a rough idea of what your new SAI might be. It won't be exact, but it can help you prepare for what to expect and give you some peace of mind in the meantime.