How to delete accidental FAFSA application? Keep getting reminder emails

Yes, you can delete your FAFSA application! Log into your studentaid.gov account, go to the 'My FAFSA' section, find your started application, and click on it. There should be an option near the bottom of the page that says 'Delete this FAFSA.' It might be under 'More Options' or something similar depending on the interface version. This won't affect your son's application at all since they're completely separate accounts with separate FSA IDs.

same thing happened to my husband lol. he was trying to help me fill out parent info and somehow created his own application. those emails are SO annoying!!!

The FAFSA system is RIDICULOUS with these issues!!! I had the exact same problem last year and spent THREE HOURS trying to find how to delete an application. The delete option is deliberately hidden because they want everyone to apply. Call them directly and demand they delete it from their end - it's faster than trying to navigate their intentionally confusing website. This is a perfect example of how the entire financial aid system is designed to frustrate regular people.

If you're having trouble finding the delete option, try this specific path: 1. Log in to studentaid.gov with your FSA ID 2. Go to 'My FAFSA' 3. Find the application in progress 4. Select it to open the summary page 5. Scroll all the way to the bottom 6. Look for 'Delete or Cancel FAFSA' option (it's in small text near the bottom) Alternatively, you can always call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243, but waiting times can be very long this time of year. And no, this won't affect your son's application in any way - each FAFSA is tied to unique FSA IDs.

you could just ignore the emails tbh. if you're not actually going to submit it nothing will happen. the system just sends automatic reminders until the deadline passes, then they'll stop. i got them for months after starting an application i never finished and eventually they just stopped coming.

I had this exact problem when helping my daughter apply! If you're struggling to find the delete option or getting nowhere with the standard customer service line, I highly recommend using Claimyr to connect with a real FSA agent. I was getting the runaround for days until I used their service - got connected to an agent in minutes who deleted the application for me right away. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ showing how it works. Their site is claimyr.com - definitely saved me hours of frustration!

One other important thing to note - if you're concerned about your son's application, you can always log in to studentaid.gov with his FSA ID (with his permission of course) and check the status of his FAFSA. If it shows as 'Processed Successfully' or something similar, you're all good. Having an incomplete application under your own FSA ID won't impact his processed application at all - they're completely separate in the system.

wait question—are u listed as a contributor on ur sons fafsa? if so thats probly y u got confused bc the emails can look similar. make sure ur actually logged into YOUR fsa id not his when trying to delete

Just to follow up on what others have said - this happens more often than you'd think. The FAFSA system recently underwent significant changes with the FAFSA Simplification Act, and many parents accidentally create applications for themselves while trying to navigate the new contributor process. Don't worry about it affecting your son's SAI (Student Aid Index, formerly EFC) calculation or his overall financial aid package. The system treats each FSA ID as a completely separate entity. As for deleting, if you absolutely can't find the option through the steps I provided earlier, you can also send an email to FederalStudentAidCustomerService@ed.gov requesting deletion of your application. Include your name and FSA ID username (not password), and they can handle it that way too.

I work at a financial aid office and see this ALL the time! Don't stress about it - you're definitely not the first parent to accidentally create their own FAFSA while helping their kid. The good news is that incomplete applications automatically expire after the deadline passes, so even if you do nothing, the emails will eventually stop. But if you want to delete it now (which I'd recommend), follow the steps others have mentioned about going to the bottom of your application summary page. And yes, your son's processed FAFSA is completely safe - there's zero connection between your accidental application and his completed one.