Need help linking spouse's FSA ID to daughter's FAFSA - can't get through to anyone!

This new FAFSA system is definitely causing headaches for everyone! Your husband doesn't actually need to have his FSA ID "linked" to your daughter's account. Instead, he needs to be added as a contributor to the FAFSA application. Here's what you need to do: 1. Log into studentaid.gov with YOUR FSA ID 2. Access your daughter's FAFSA application in progress 3. Go to the "Contributors" section (it's usually after the student demographics) 4. Add your husband as a contributor using his email address 5. He'll receive an email invitation to contribute 6. He then logs in with his own FSA ID and completes his section This contributor system is new for the 2025-2026 cycle and is causing a lot of confusion. Let me know if you're able to find that section!

The contributor section is easily missed! It's actually on the initial setup screen when you first start the FAFSA. At this point, you might need to create a new application and start over (I know, PAINFUL) to add him as a contributor from the beginning. The system is frustratingly designed where if you didn't add contributors at the start, it assumes you're entering all information yourself. Alternatively, you can try clicking on "Dashboard" at the top, then "Manage Contributors" for your daughter's application. Not all screens show this option though, which is part of what makes the new system so confusing.

i had this EXACT same problem last week!! so annoying!! you dont have to start over tho. what worked for me was logging out completely, then logging back in and clicking on "manage contributors" from the main dashboard before you even go back into the application. my husbands info finally showed up that way and he was able to do his part. the new system suuuuucks

Try using different browser too. Chrome didnt work for me but Firefox did. These SAI calculations are already confusing enough without the website being broken half the time!

I went through this exact problem last week. I eventually got it figured out, but only after getting through to an actual FSA agent who knew what they were talking about (which took FOREVER). After wasting hours on hold and getting disconnected multiple times, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually holds your place in the phone queue and calls you back when an agent is about to answer. Saved me from losing my mind! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent explained that if you've already started filling out spouse information yourself, you need to remove that information completely before the system will let you add your spouse as a contributor. It's not intuitive at all!

UPDATE: I tried logging out and back in, then going to the dashboard. I found a "Manage Contributors" button that wasn't there before (or I completely missed it)! I was able to add my husband's email and he got an invitation link. He's now working on his section with his own FSA ID. The crazy thing is that I DID have to delete all the spouse information I had already entered first, just like someone mentioned above. So confusing! But we're making progress now. Thank you all for your help!

I went through something similar but with my ex-husband who has to contribute since we have 50/50 custody. What a nightmare! Make sure after your husband completes his section that you both electronically sign the FAFSA. The application won't process until all contributors have signed. Also, double-check that your SAI calculation updates properly after his info is added. Mine glitched and didn't recalculate until I called and had them manually trigger a recalculation.

This new FAFSA is THE WORST!!! I spent 9 HOURS trying to get my wife added as a contributor and ended up having to restart the whole application THREE TIMES! The government should be ASHAMED of this garbage system. It's like they're actively trying to prevent students from getting financial aid. I feel your pain!!!!!

FINAL UPDATE: We finally got everything submitted! After my husband completed his section, we both signed, and I was able to submit the application. The SAI calculated correctly (I think). Now just waiting for it to process and hoping my daughter gets the financial aid package she needs. Thanks again to everyone who helped! This community saved us from having to start over from scratch.