Wrong SSN entered on FAFSA application - can't get through to fix it

This happened to me last year. You need to specifically request a "Social Security Number correction" when you finally reach someone. The automated correction system won't work for SSN issues because it's using that number to verify your identity. Keep calling the FSA number but try very early morning (right when they open) or late afternoon (about an hour before closing). Those times worked better for me.

omg same problem here!!! i typed mine wrong too and the financial aid office at my school said i'm not gonna get any money until it's fixed 😭 been trying to call for like 2 weeks now

I work in financial aid, and this is unfortunately a common issue. Here's what you need to do: 1. DO NOT create a new FSA ID - this will only complicate things further and may trigger a fraud investigation 2. You need to speak directly with an FSA agent who has the authority to manually override the system. The correction form won't work for SSN issues. 3. Prepare copies of your Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID, and your SAR (Student Aid Report). 4. When you call, immediately specify that this is an "SSN Correction Request" when prompted for the reason for your call. 5. If the online system doesn't work, you may need to submit a paper FAFSA correction form with documentation. Also, notify your school's financial aid office about this issue. They can place a note in your file and may be able to extend your deadline while this gets resolved.

i heard somewhere that u can just start over with a brand new application? maybe try that instead of fixing the old one

I spent THREE WEEKS trying to get this exact issue fixed last year. The FSA phone system is absolutely broken - I'd get disconnected after waiting for hours. I almost lost my financial aid package because of their incompetence. After dozens of failed attempts, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual human. They have a service that basically waits on hold for you and calls when an agent is available. Saved me days of frustration. Check out their demo video if you're curious: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ Once I finally got through to a real person, they fixed the SSN issue in literally 10 minutes. Such a ridiculous system.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO FAIL! They make these "simple errors" impossible to fix so fewer students get aid. I've worked in education for 15 years and the FAFSA system gets worse every year. My students encounter these roadblocks constantly and then just give up on getting aid entirely. THAT'S BY DESIGN, PEOPLE! The government doesn't want to give out aid so they create these impossible bureaucratic nightmares!

UPDATE: I finally got my SSN issue fixed! For anyone facing this problem, here's exactly what worked: 1. I called the FSA hotline at exactly 8:00 AM Eastern when they opened 2. Selected option 2 for "FAFSA help" then option 4 for "other issues" 3. Specifically told the rep it was an SSN correction issue 4. They transferred me to a special department that handles identity issues 5. I had to verify my identity with my name, DOB, address, and the correct SSN 6. They made the change on their end and told me it would take 3-5 business days to update It actually updated in 2 days and now my SAI calculation is processing correctly. Hope this helps someone else!

My cousin had this problem and her college financial aid office actually helped her fix it. Have you tried going directly to your school? Sometimes they have direct lines to FSA that work better than the public numbers.

I just went through this exact same nightmare last month! The key is persistence and timing. I had success calling at 7:55 AM EST (5 minutes before they officially open) - somehow got through faster that way. When you do get connected, ask to speak with a "FAFSA Data Correction Specialist" specifically - regular customer service reps can't always make SSN changes. Also, make sure you have your FSA ID login info ready because they'll need to verify your account while you're on the phone. They fixed mine in about 15 minutes once I reached the right person. Don't give up - your financial aid is too important! The system is frustrating but it IS fixable. One more tip: if you get disconnected, call back immediately. Sometimes they can see you were just on a call and prioritize reconnecting you.