So glad you got it figured out! The mobile vs desktop issue with studentaid.gov is such a common problem that catches so many families off guard. It's honestly ridiculous that in 2025 we still have to deal with a government website that doesn't work properly on phones. Your experience will definitely help other parents who run into the same frustrating situation - the distinction between "View FAFSA" and "View Processed FAFSA" is something that trips up a lot of people!

This entire thread is a perfect example of why the FAFSA website desperately needs better user experience design! As a newcomer here, I'm taking notes on all these workarounds for when I inevitably run into the same issues with my own kid's FAFSA next year. The fact that there are THREE different types of summaries and the mobile site doesn't work properly is just mind-boggling for a federal website that millions of families depend on. Really appreciate everyone sharing their solutions - this is exactly the kind of community help that makes navigating these bureaucratic systems bearable!

I'm really sorry for your loss and what you're going through. One thing I want to add that might help immediately - if your son's school participates in the Federal Work-Study program, that income doesn't count against next year's FAFSA the same way other student income does. Even if he didn't qualify this year, it's worth asking if there are any work-study positions still available or if he can get on a waitlist. Also, since you mentioned you're renting out the family home, make sure when you report it on the FAFSA that you're only reporting the NET equity (market value minus what you still owe), not the full property value. And if the property has depreciated since your husband's death, you might want to get a current appraisal. One more thought - some schools have "emergency aid" or "crisis grants" that are separate from the normal financial aid process. These are typically for unexpected situations and might be worth asking about given your circumstances.

I'm so sorry for your loss and the stress you're dealing with. As a financial aid counselor, I want to add a few points that might help: First, definitely pursue the Professional Judgment review that others mentioned - but when you do, emphasize that your investment withdrawals are for basic living expenses, not discretionary spending. The fact that you're using them to help with your son's housing costs actually strengthens your case since it shows the money is going toward educational expenses. Also, consider having your son file as an independent student if he meets any of the criteria (age 24+, married, has dependents, etc.). If not, there's also something called a "dependency override" for unusual circumstances, though it's harder to get approved. One strategy for next year: if possible, consider paying down any debts or prepaying expenses before the FAFSA snapshot date. This can reduce your reportable assets without actually reducing your financial security. Finally, many states have their own grant programs with different eligibility rules than federal aid. California's Middle Class Scholarship program, for example, might be worth looking into even if you didn't qualify for other aid. Don't give up - I've seen families in very similar situations find pathways to make college work.

update?? did anything work?? im curious because we're having similar issues now with my younger daughter's fafsa

Wow, thank you so much for sharing that update! I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now and was getting really frustrated. My spouse has been trying to access the contributor section on his phone for days with no luck. I'm going to have him try on our desktop computer tonight instead. It's ridiculous that the mobile version doesn't work properly - so many parents probably only have their phones available. Really glad you got it sorted out before your daughter's deadline!

I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare - the stress of seeing your SAI nearly triple must be overwhelming! As a newcomer to this community, I've been reading through all these responses and it's clear that the FAFSA Simplification Act has created chaos for families with multiple students in college. From what everyone has shared, it sounds like you have a solid action plan forming. I'd add one more suggestion: when you're preparing for those financial aid office meetings, consider bringing a "family impact statement" that shows exactly how this SAI increase affects your household budget. Include things like your monthly expenses, other financial obligations, and how you've been planning your finances based on previous aid levels. Also, don't forget to ask about work-study opportunities for your kids if they're not already participating. Sometimes when federal aid decreases, schools can offer additional campus employment to help bridge the gap. The fact that so many families are experiencing this exact same problem suggests that schools and policymakers will eventually have to address the unintended consequences of these formula changes. In the meantime, keep pushing for every available resource - institutional aid, state programs, employer benefits, and community scholarships. You're clearly a dedicated parent who's willing to fight for your kids' education. With all the great advice shared here, I'm optimistic you'll find some solutions. Please keep us updated on your progress!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - it's absolutely devastating when financial aid changes so dramatically without warning! As someone new to this community, I've been following similar stories and it's clear the FAFSA Simplification Act has created major problems for families with multiple kids in college. From reading all the excellent advice here, it sounds like the reduced sibling discount is likely the main culprit for your SAI jump. The old system essentially divided your contribution when you had multiple students, but the new formula provides much less relief for families in your situation. Here's what I'd recommend based on what others have shared: 1. Contact both schools' financial aid offices immediately and specifically ask for a "professional judgment coordinator" or "appeals specialist" - they have more authority than regular staff 2. Prepare a detailed comparison of your financial information from last year vs. this year to demonstrate consistency 3. Ask specifically about "FAFSA transition assistance" or institutional funds set aside for families affected by the formula changes 4. Consider creating a "family impact statement" showing exactly how this increase affects your household budget Don't give up hope! Many schools anticipated these issues and have resources available, but you often have to ask specifically. The fact that so many families are experiencing this exact problem means schools are becoming more equipped to help. You're absolutely right to feel frustrated - changing the rules mid-game without adequate communication to families was really unfair. Keep advocating for your kids and please update us on what solutions you're able to find!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this! As someone who went through a similar situation, I can tell you that the insurance settlement is almost certainly what threw off your calculation. The FAFSA system doesn't automatically recognize one-time payments like settlements as different from regular income, which is why your SAI came out so high. Here's what worked for me: I contacted the financial aid office and asked specifically for a "Special Circumstances Review" form. I had to provide documentation showing the settlement was for medical expenses/damages from the accident and that it wasn't recurring income. I also wrote a letter explaining our actual financial situation and how the settlement was already mostly spent on medical bills and car repairs. The key is to be persistent but polite. Don't let them brush you off with "that's what the formula calculated" - they have the authority to make adjustments for situations exactly like yours. Most schools want to help students attend, they just need the proper documentation to justify the aid increase. Good luck with the appeal process!

I'm a financial aid administrator and want to add some clarity about appeals timing. Most schools process Special Circumstances appeals within 7-14 business days, but complex cases involving settlements can take up to 30 days. Each school evaluates independently - they don't share appeal decisions, so you'll need to submit documentation separately to each institution. One thing to emphasize in your appeal letter: explain how the settlement funds were actually used. If they went toward medical bills, vehicle replacement, or other expenses related to the accident, include receipts if you have them. This shows the money isn't available for educational expenses. Also, don't wait for one school's decision before submitting to others. Start the appeal process immediately at all schools where your daughter was accepted. Many have April deadlines for special circumstances reviews, and you want to give yourself maximum time before her May 1 enrollment deadline. The good news is that with proper documentation, your case should be relatively straightforward to resolve. Insurance settlements are a common issue we see, and most aid administrators are familiar with how to handle them.