When can I submit my FAFSA application for 2025-2026 school year?

Thanks! So even though we're planning for Fall 2025, we'd actually use our 2023 tax info, not 2024? That seems weird but I guess it's easier since those taxes are already done. Do we still need to list all the schools he's considering or did that change too?

Oh no, that sounds awful! I hope they fix those issues by next year. Did your sister get all her aid in time for school decisions?

nope she had to commit to her safety school without knowing if she could afford her top choice. FAFSA screwed everything up this year.

This is really helpful, thank you! So we should create the FSA IDs way before December 1st? Is there a specific time when we can start creating those IDs for the 2025-2026 application cycle?

You can create FSA IDs anytime - they're permanent and not tied to a specific application year. I'd recommend creating them by September/October 2024 to avoid the rush and any verification delays. Make sure all information matches official documents exactly (name spelling, DOB, SSN) to prevent issues that could delay processing by weeks or months.

I had the same problem but finally got through using Claimyr.com - it holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me hours of being on hold. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ I was skeptical at first but it actually worked. Managed to get my son's verification issue resolved in one call after weeks of trying on my own.

Oh that sounds really stressful! I'm worried because our family situation is a bit complicated too - my brother lives with mom during the week and dad on weekends. Do both parents need to fill it out or just the one he lives with more?

Under the new FAFSA rules, only one parent needs to contribute information - typically the one who provides more financial support. For split custody, it's the parent your brother lives with more than 50% of the time. If exactly 50/50, then it's the parent who provides more financial support. Divorced/separated parents no longer both report, which is actually simpler than before.

I hadn't even thought about state deadlines! Do those also open on December 1st or do they have different opening dates too?

Great point about state and institutional deadlines! While the federal FAFSA deadline for 2025-2026 will extend through June 30, 2026, many states and colleges set much earlier priority deadlines - some as early as January or February 2025. You should check: 1. Your specific state's deadline (search "[your state] financial aid deadline 2025-2026") 2. Each college's priority financial aid deadline on their financial aid websites Missing these earlier deadlines can mean losing out on significant state grants and institutional scholarships, even if you're otherwise eligible.

That's good to know about listing schools! My brother will probably apply to around 8-10 schools, but we won't know his final list until next fall. Is there any disadvantage to adding schools later versus including them in the initial submission?

Wait, there's ANOTHER form? How is that different from FAFSA? Now I'm worried we're going to miss something important.

Yes, the CSS Profile is a separate financial aid application used by about 200 schools (mostly private colleges and some scholarship programs). Unlike FAFSA, it: - Usually opens in October (about two months before FAFSA) - Costs $25 for the first school and $16 for each additional school - Collects more detailed financial information including home equity - May require both parents' information even if divorced/separated - Looks at special circumstances more thoroughly Fee waivers are available for eligible families. You only need to complete it for schools that specifically require it - check each college's financial aid website to confirm.