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As someone who just went through this exact same process last month, I wanted to share a few additional tips that really helped me. First, if you have multiple Parent PLUS loans (like if you borrowed for different semesters), each loan might show up separately on StudentAid.gov with different disbursement dates and interest accrual start dates. Second, when you contact Nelnet to set up your interest-only payments, ask them about setting up automatic monthly payments for a specific dollar amount rather than trying to calculate the exact interest each month - the interest amount changes as the principal grows, so a fixed monthly payment toward interest is often easier to manage. Finally, make sure to ask Nelnet for email notifications when payments are processed so you have immediate confirmation. I learned that some servicers default to only mailing paper statements, but email alerts are much more reliable for tracking your payments in real time.
This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I hadn't thought about the fact that multiple disbursements might mean multiple loan entries with different dates. That's a really good point about setting up a fixed monthly payment amount rather than trying to calculate the exact interest each time - that would definitely be much easier to manage. I'm going to contact Nelnet tomorrow and ask about all of these options, especially the email notifications. Really appreciate you taking the time to share these practical tips from your recent experience!
One thing I wish someone had told me when I first took out Parent PLUS loans - make sure to bookmark your servicer's website and download their mobile app once you identify them. Nelnet's app is actually pretty user-friendly for making payments and tracking your balance. Also, if you're planning to make regular interest payments, consider setting up a separate savings account just for loan payments so you can automate transfers and keep everything organized. I started doing this after my first semester and it made budgeting for the payments much easier. Good luck with getting everything set up!
That's really smart advice about setting up a separate account for loan payments! I never thought about that but it would definitely help me stay organized and make sure I always have the money set aside. I'm definitely going to download the Nelnet app once I get my account set up - having everything accessible on my phone will make it so much easier to track. Thanks for the practical tips!
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As someone new to this community and currently navigating the FAFSA process myself, I just wanted to chime in with a quick tip that might help others. I found the IRS Data Retrieval Tool really helpful for ensuring I'm reporting the correct information from tax returns. It automatically pulls in the right figures from the IRS, which helps avoid manual entry errors when dealing with things like IRA distributions. For anyone who qualifies to use it, it can save a lot of time and reduce mistakes. Also, I've learned that keeping detailed notes about any unusual income situations (like the retirement distributions discussed here) can be really helpful if you get selected for verification later. The financial aid office will often ask for documentation to support what you reported, so having everything organized from the start makes that process much smoother!
That's such a helpful tip about the IRS Data Retrieval Tool! As someone just starting this process, I had no idea that tool even existed. It sounds like it could save me a lot of headaches trying to figure out which numbers go where. I'm definitely going to look into using it when I start my applications. The verification documentation tip is really smart too - I can see how having everything organized upfront would be way better than scrambling to find papers later if you get selected. Thanks for sharing these practical tips! This community really seems to have a wealth of knowledge from people who've been through this process before.
Hi everyone! I'm new to this community and currently going through the FAFSA process for the first time as a college sophomore. This thread has been incredibly enlightening - I had no idea about the complexities around IRA distributions and retirement income reporting. My mom is planning to retire in the next couple of years, so this information will definitely be relevant for my future FAFSA applications. I really appreciate how supportive and knowledgeable this community is. One quick question - for those who have dealt with parent retirement situations, do you recommend giving your school's financial aid office a heads up before the retirement happens? I'm wondering if there are any proactive steps I should take to ensure the transition goes smoothly when it affects my aid eligibility. Thanks again for all the detailed explanations in this thread!
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Hey Vanessa! I'm also a first-time FAFSA applicant and was literally having the same freak-out moment about this "Closed" status yesterday! Reading through all these responses has been SO helpful - it's such a relief to know that we're not the only ones who find this process completely confusing. The fact that they use the word "Closed" instead of something like "Processing Complete" is honestly ridiculous. I've been checking my status obsessively every day since I submitted mine in February, so I totally get the anxiety! Thanks for being brave enough to post this question because I was too embarrassed to ask. Definitely going to follow everyone's advice here about checking school portals and spam folders - you've probably saved me from weeks of unnecessary stress! 🙏
Aisha, I'm so glad this thread helped you too! It's honestly wild how many of us were panicking over the exact same thing - clearly the FAFSA system needs to work on their communication! 😅 I was checking my status multiple times a day too, so you're definitely not alone in that obsessive checking habit. It's such a relief to know we're all going through the same stress and that "Closed" actually means good news. Don't feel embarrassed about not asking - I was terrified to post this question because I thought I was the only one who didn't understand what was happening! This community has been amazing though. We're all figuring this out together and it makes the whole process feel way less overwhelming. Good luck with your applications! 💪
Hey Vanessa! I'm so glad you posted this question because I literally just went through the exact same panic attack about my FAFSA status showing "Closed"! I submitted mine in late January and when I saw that status last week I immediately thought I had somehow messed everything up. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly reassuring - it's amazing how many of us first-time FAFSA applicants are all stressing about the same confusing terminology! The fact that "Closed" actually means "successfully processed and sent to schools" is such a relief. I've learned so much from this thread about checking spam folders, school portals, and upcoming deadlines. Thanks for asking the question we were all too nervous to ask! This community is awesome for helping us navigate this overwhelming process together. 🎓✨
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That's such great news that the school is still processing grants! This is actually pretty common - many schools do process federal loans first since they're easier to calculate, then work through the Pell Grant determinations afterward. The timing can vary a lot between institutions. And definitely pursue that special circumstances appeal for your husband's job loss - those appeals can make a real difference in your daughter's aid eligibility. Keep us posted on how it turns out!
This whole thread has been so helpful! As someone new to the FAFSA process, it's reassuring to know that delays in grant processing are normal and that there are options like special circumstances appeals when family situations change. I'll definitely keep these tips in mind when my kid applies next year.
This is such a valuable thread for parents navigating the financial aid process! I'm dealing with a similar situation with my son's aid package - seeing only loans initially really made my heart sink. It's so reassuring to learn that schools often process grants in waves after loans, and that special circumstances appeals are a real option when family finances change unexpectedly. The FAFSA process can feel overwhelming when you're going through it for the first time, but this community is such a great resource for getting real answers from people who've been there.
Absolutely agree! This thread has been such an eye-opener for me too. I had no idea that schools process different types of aid at different times - I was definitely starting to panic when I only saw loans on my daughter's portal. It's amazing how much stress can be relieved just by understanding that this is part of the normal process. And learning about special circumstances appeals is huge - life happens, and it's good to know there are ways to address unexpected financial changes. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences!
Carmen Diaz
Hey Amina! I just went through this exact same process last year and wanted to share what worked for me. With your SAI of -1500, you're definitely in great shape for aid! One thing I learned the hard way - HESAA uses a different email system than most places. Make sure you whitelist their domain (@hesaa.org) in your email settings so their messages don't get filtered out. I almost missed my verification request because my email provider was treating their automated messages as spam. Also, when you do get that initial TAG notification email (usually around 3-4 weeks after FAFSA submission), it will include a link to complete your HESAA profile if you haven't already. Sometimes there are additional questions about your high school graduation year, residency status, etc. that need to be completed before they can finalize your award. Since you're starting Fall 2025, you have plenty of time, but I'd recommend setting up a simple spreadsheet to track all your aid applications and their deadlines. Between federal aid, state aid, and individual school scholarships, it gets overwhelming fast! You're doing great by getting your FAFSA done early - that negative SAI is going to open up a lot of opportunities for you. Good luck!
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Jessica Nguyen
•Thank you so much Carmen! This is incredibly helpful advice - I definitely wouldn't have thought about whitelisting the HESAA email domain. I'll do that right now to make sure I don't miss anything important. The spreadsheet idea is brilliant too. I've been trying to keep track of everything in my head but you're right that it's getting overwhelming fast. I'll set one up this weekend to track all the different aid programs and their timelines. It's really reassuring to hear from someone who just went through this process successfully. Did you end up needing to submit any additional verification documents beyond what FAFSA required, or was your process pretty straightforward once you got that initial TAG notification? Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience - it really helps to know what to expect!
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Amelia Cartwright
•Carmen, this is such great advice! I just whitelisted the @hesaa.org domain - that's exactly the kind of tip I wouldn't have known to do. I'm definitely going to create that spreadsheet this weekend too. One follow-up question - when you completed your HESAA profile after getting that notification email, do you remember if there were any tricky questions or documents you needed to have ready? I want to make sure I'm prepared when that email comes so I can respond quickly. Also, did your TAG award amount end up being what you expected based on your SAI, or were there any surprises (good or bad) in the final amount? Thanks again for sharing your experience - it's so helpful to get insights from someone who actually made it through this process successfully!
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Dominic Green
As someone who just successfully navigated this process, I want to echo what everyone else is saying - you're in an excellent position with that -1500 SAI! One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned yet: when you do receive your TAG notification (which should be soon since it's been 10 days), make sure to respond to ANY requests for additional information IMMEDIATELY. HESAA has some of the strictest deadlines I've ever encountered, and they don't send reminder emails. Also, since you mentioned your parents aren't familiar with the college process, consider attending one of HESAA's virtual information sessions if they're still offering them this year. They usually host them in spring for incoming students and it helped me understand the timeline much better than trying to piece together information online. With your SAI, you should qualify for close to maximum aid. At Rowan (which I saw you mention in another comment), that could mean your tuition and fees are almost completely covered between Pell Grant, TAG, and potentially Garden State Guarantee. You're doing everything right by starting early - just stay patient with the process!
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