For those waiting on aid packages, you can request an extension from your schools if you haven't received all your financial aid information by the May 1 decision deadline. Most institutions are aware of the FAFSA delays this year and are being more flexible than usual. Just be sure to request the extension in writing (email is fine) to your admissions office, explaining that you're still waiting on complete financial aid information to make your decision.

To clarify about the verification requests some of you mentioned - verification selections are not related to the email notification issues. About 30% of all FAFSA filers get selected for verification each year, which requires submitting additional documentation to confirm your reported information. If you've been selected, you'll need to complete those requirements before your aid can be finalized. Check both your studentaid.gov account and your individual school portals to see if you've been selected and what documents you need to submit.

For those struggling with the signature glitch, here's the technical explanation: The new FAFSA system has enhanced security protocols that sometimes conflict with browser cache data or certain browser security settings. Troubleshooting steps in order of effectiveness: 1. Clear browser cache and cookies 2. Try a different browser (Firefox and Edge seem most compatible) 3. Try a mobile device (uses different verification protocols) 4. Wait 24 hours for system reset (if it's a server-side issue) 5. Create a new email address and re-register your FSA ID (extreme cases) Regarding the SAI concerns - the shift from EFC to SAI was intended to better reflect actual ability to pay, but the implementation has been rocky. The key thing to understand is that while the numbers have changed, how schools use them is also adjusting. Many institutions are recalibrating their institutional aid formulas to account for the general increase in SAI figures.

@profile5 Did you end up resolving the issues? I'm curious if the cache clearing worked for the signature problem. And definitely pursue that appeal for the medical expenses - my sister got her SAI reduced by almost $3K last year for similar reasons.

UPDATE: We got it figured out! My daughter created her FSA ID and started a new application. I did lose all my previously entered information, but now we're on the right track. For anyone else who makes this mistake - you definitely need to have the STUDENT start the application first! Thank you all for your help.

Glad you figured it out! Honestly they should rename the parent section to "contributor section" or something so it's more obvious. My kid was also confused cause he thought I could just do the whole thing for him lol

Since your son needs to make a decision soon, I'd recommend a multi-pronged approach: 1. Call the FSA Information Center as suggested (1-800-433-3243) 2. Contact the financial aid offices at each school where he's been accepted 3. Ask the schools about provisional aid estimates based on the information you provided on your application 4. Inquire about deadline extensions due to FAFSA processing delays Most schools are aware of the issues with the new FAFSA system and have contingency plans in place. Some are offering provisional aid packages or extending deposit deadlines to accommodate these delays.

my son had this same issue last month. turns out there was some verification thing but they never sent an email about it. definitely call them to check. don't just wait.

UPDATE: I tried the Claimyr service someone mentioned above and IT WORKED!! Got connected to a FAFSA agent in about 15 minutes instead of endless hold time. They identified the problem right away - there was a mismatch between how my name was entered in the FSA ID system versus the FAFSA form (middle initial in one, full middle name in the other). The agent fixed it on their end AND flagged my application with a special note so it won't get caught in the signature loop again. They also sent an email to my daughter's schools explaining the delay was due to a system error, not our negligence. Never would have figured this out without getting a real person who could actually see both systems. Worth every penny to not waste another day on hold!

Thank you everyone for all the helpful suggestions! I'm going to try a combination approach: 1. First, I'll use Claimyr to speak with an actual FSA agent (since multiple people had success with this) 2. Request both electronic AND paper signature verification 3. Check for email/name mismatches between FSA ID and FAFSA form 4. Get my school's financial aid office involved as an advocate 5. Document everything with case numbers and confirmation screenshots I'll update this thread once I get it resolved in case anyone else runs into the same issue. This has been so stressful!