When to submit FAFSA for Fall 2025? Confused about 24-25 vs. 25-26 forms

for fall 2025 youd need the 2025-2026 fafsa which uses 2023 taxes

Let me clarify the FAFSA timeline for you: - For Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025, you need the 2024-2025 FAFSA (using 2022 tax info) - For Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026, you'll need the 2025-2026 FAFSA (using 2023 tax info) The 2024-2025 FAFSA opened December 2023 (delayed from the usual October opening). Most priority deadlines for this form are between January-March 2024, but check your daughter's specific school. The 2025-2026 FAFSA will likely open October 2024 (assuming they return to normal schedule). So right now, you should complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA if you haven't already done so. This covers Fall 2024 courses.

The whole FAFSA system is SUCH A NIGHTMARE!!!! I've been through this 3 times with my kids and they ALWAYS change the rules! First they wanted 2022 taxes, then they delayed everything, then the website crashed for weeks... I spent HOURS on hold trying to get help. Total disaster.

Just went through this confusion with my son. For anyone else reading this thread later, here's the breakdown: 1. Academic year = Fall through Summer 2. Each FAFSA covers one full academic year 3. 2024-2025 FAFSA = Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer 2025 4. 2025-2026 FAFSA = Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026 So yes, you need to submit the 2024-2025 FAFSA now using 2022 tax info (weird they go back 2 years but that's the system). Then when the 2025-2026 FAFSA opens (probably October), you'll submit that one using 2023 tax info. Hope this helps!

Have you tried using Claimyr to reach the Federal Student Aid help line? I was stuck in the same situation last month and couldn't get through to anyone at the FSA helpline. A friend recommended Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it basically holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of hold time and I got my FAFSA questions sorted in one call. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent I spoke with confirmed that for Fall 2025, you need the 2025-2026 FAFSA (using 2023 tax info), but you also need to complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA for the current upcoming year.

Another important point: many schools have priority deadlines for FAFSA submission that are MUCH earlier than the federal deadline. For example, my son's university had a February 15th priority deadline for the 2024-2025 FAFSA even though technically you can submit until June 2025. Missing the priority deadline can mean missing out on institutional grants and scholarships, even if you're still eligible for federal aid. I'd recommend checking your daughter's specific school's financial aid website for their priority deadline for the 2024-2025 FAFSA - you'll want to submit ASAP if that deadline hasn't passed yet.

when I did mine this year the website kept crashing lol had to try like 5 times

One clarification on my earlier comment - the 2024-2025 FAFSA now uses the Student Aid Index (SAI) instead of the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This is part of the FAFSA Simplification Act changes. The calculation is slightly different, so don't be surprised if your aid eligibility looks different from previous years. This is normal with the new system. Also, the 2024-2025 form is significantly shorter than previous versions, which is at least one improvement.

wait im confused...my kid is starting college fall 2024 and we already did the 2024-25 fafsa. do we need to do ANOTHER one for spring semester??

I just want to echo what everyone else is saying - the FAFSA timeline is SO confusing! I'm a parent of twins who are both in college and I STILL get mixed up every year about which form to submit when. Here's what I've learned from going through this process multiple times: always check your specific school's priority deadline because they're all different, and don't wait until the last minute because the website issues are real. I keep a calendar reminder now to submit each year's FAFSA as soon as it opens. Also, @Chloe Martin - even if you missed the priority deadline, still submit the 2024-2025 FAFSA ASAP! You'll still be eligible for federal aid and some institutional aid. Late is better than never with financial aid. The good news is once you get the hang of the cycle (submit in fall for the following academic year), it becomes more routine. Hang in there!

As someone who just went through this exact confusion last year, I totally feel your frustration! The key thing that helped me understand it was thinking of FAFSA forms as covering "academic years" not calendar years. So you'll need BOTH forms: - Complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA NOW (using 2022 taxes) - this covers Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 - Then submit the 2025-2026 FAFSA when it opens in October 2024 (using 2023 taxes) - this covers Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 I know it seems weird that you're always working with tax info from 2 years ago, but that's just how the system works. The important thing is not to skip the 2024-2025 form thinking you can just wait for the 2025-2026 one - you need both! Also, definitely check if your daughter's school has already passed their priority deadline for the 2024-2025 form. Even if you missed it, submit anyway since you'll still be eligible for federal aid.

Just wanted to add a quick tip that saved me a lot of headaches - bookmark the Federal Student Aid website (studentaid.gov) and check it regularly for updates on FAFSA opening dates and any system maintenance windows. They usually post announcements about planned downtime or technical issues there first. Also, if you're having trouble reaching your daughter's financial aid office by phone, try emailing them or checking if they have online chat support. Many schools added virtual options during COVID and kept them. Some even have specific "FAFSA help" email addresses that get prioritized. The learning curve is steep but you'll get through it! The fact that you're asking questions and being proactive puts you ahead of many parents who just wing it.

As someone who works in financial aid, I want to add one more crucial point that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you're using the correct FSA ID when logging into the FAFSA website! I see so many families create multiple FSA IDs by accident or forget which email they used, which can cause major delays. Also, a pro tip: once you submit your 2024-2025 FAFSA, print or save a PDF copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR) when it's processed. This will have all your information and your SAI calculation, which is helpful to reference when you're filling out the 2025-2026 form later this year. The system really is unnecessarily complicated, but you're asking all the right questions. Don't let the technical issues and confusing timelines discourage you - financial aid can make a huge difference in making college affordable!