How to fix FAFSA investment error? Accidentally included retirement accounts

why did you include retirement?? the instructions specifically say NOT to include retirement accounts...smh

This is actually a very common mistake. You need to submit a correction through the FAFSA correction process. Log into studentaid.gov, go to your FAFSA application, and select "Make FAFSA Corrections." However, if the investment section isn't allowing edits (which sometimes happens after processing), you'll need to contact FSA directly. The number is 1-800-433-3243, but yes, wait times are terrible right now. Make sure to have the student's FSA ID, your FSA ID, and the confirmation number ready when you call. Explain clearly that you mistakenly included retirement accounts in the investments section, and they can make that adjustment for you. Alternatively, you can also contact your daughter's school's financial aid office. They can sometimes make professional judgment adjustments based on documentation you provide.

OMG I DID THE EXACT SAME THING last year!!!! It completely messed up my son's financial aid. Took me WEEKS to get someone on the phone to fix it. Almost lost his grant money. So frustrating!!!!

This is definitely fixable but time-sensitive. A few important points: 1. The FAFSA correction tool sometimes locks certain fields after processing - this is normal. 2. You have two main options: - Contact Federal Student Aid directly (1-800-433-3243) - Submit documentation to each college's financial aid office 3. For documentation, prepare: - A signed statement explaining the error - Account statements showing these are retirement accounts - The original FAFSA confirmation 4. Each school can make a professional judgment adjustment with proper documentation. 5. If your daughter has already received aid offers based on the incorrect SAI, contact those schools immediately to explain the situation. The most important thing is to act quickly - ideally before the verification deadline at her schools.

If ur calling FSA, my advice is call SUPER early in the morning like right when they open. I had to do that for a different issue and only waited like 10 mins vs the 2+ hours I waited when I tried in the afternoon lol

I was in the same boat trying to reach FSA about verification issues a few weeks ago. After getting disconnected multiple times waiting on hold, I tried Claimyr.com and it worked amazingly well! They held my place in line and called me back when an agent was available. Saved me hours of frustration. Check out how it works here: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ After connecting with an agent, they were able to update my FAFSA investment information in about 10 minutes. Definitely worth it for something this important that affects financial aid eligibility.

You know what's RIDICULOUS? The whole FAFSA system! Why can't they make it more user-friendly? Why design a form where it's SO EASY to make mistakes that have HUGE financial consequences, then make it nearly IMPOSSIBLE to get help fixing those mistakes? The entire system is designed to FAIL families. I had a similar issue last year and spent WEEKS trying to get it resolved. By the time I did, my kid had missed priority deadlines at two schools. I'm still bitter about it.

Update on the verification deadlines question: Each school sets their own verification deadlines, but they typically align with either: 1. The last date of attendance for the academic year, or 2. A specific date set by the school (often 30-90 days after selection) I recommend contacting each school's financial aid office ASAP to explain the situation. While you're working on the FSA correction, the schools can note your file and potentially put a temporary hold on any decisions based on the incorrect SAI. Most importantly, document everything - dates you called, who you spoke with, what was said. This creates a paper trail showing you've been proactive about fixing the error.

just wanted to say good luck!! This stuff is so stressful. Rooting for you to get it fixed!!

I'm a financial aid counselor and see this mistake constantly! You're absolutely right to be concerned, but this is definitely fixable. Here's what I recommend: 1. Call FSA at 1-800-433-3243 early morning (they open at 8am EST) - shortest wait times 2. Have your FSA ID, daughter's FSA ID, and FAFSA confirmation number ready 3. Specifically say "I need to correct investment reporting - I mistakenly included retirement accounts" Meanwhile, contact each school's financial aid office immediately. Email them explaining the error and attach: - Screenshot of your retirement account statements showing account types - Written explanation of the mistake - Request for professional judgment consideration Most schools will put a hold on aid processing while this gets resolved. The key is acting fast - don't wait for FSA to fix it before contacting schools, do both simultaneously. This won't affect your daughter's eligibility once corrected, but time is critical for meeting aid deadlines. You've got this!

I'm going through something similar right now! Made the same retirement account mistake on my son's FAFSA and have been trying to get through to FSA for days. Reading through all these responses is so helpful - I had no idea I could contact the schools directly with documentation while waiting for the FSA correction. One thing I learned from calling my state's financial aid office is that they recommended keeping a detailed log of every attempt to reach FSA (date, time, how long you waited) because it shows good faith effort to correct the error if there are any deadline issues later. Also @AstroAlpha thank you for that detailed breakdown - I'm copying your email template approach for contacting the schools. It's so stressful when you realize you've made a mistake that could cost thousands in aid!