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Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to an actual FSA agent? I was dealing with a similar contributor issue last month and was dreading the hours-long wait times. Someone here recommended claimyr.com and it was a game-changer. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ They got me connected to a real FSA agent in about 15 minutes who fixed our contributor problem on the spot. Saved me literally hours of frustration.
Did you ever get this resolved? I'm curious if any of the suggestions worked for you. This is becoming one of the most common issues with the new FAFSA system, and I'd like to know what's actually working for people.
Yes! We solved it following the suggestion to remove both parents and add us sequentially. Removed both of us, added me first, I completed my section, then my daughter added my wife second. For some reason, that worked - my wife's email came through and when she clicked it, she could see the application right away. Must be some kind of bug in their system with handling multiple pending contributors simultaneously. Thanks for checking back!
Have you tried using different browsers? Sometimes the FAFSA site has weird glitches that resolve with a different browser. My application kept freezing in Chrome but worked fine in Firefox.
UPDATE: We finally got it fixed! The account recovery method worked after a couple tries. For anyone with this same problem - make sure you're using the EXACT email that was originally entered in the mixed-up account. We kept trying with my mom's main email but it turns out she had used her work email when entering info in my account. Thank you everyone for all your help! I can finally sleep tonight knowing we're back on track with the FAFSA.
Let's try to maintain perspective here. While there have certainly been delays, spreading unverified rumors about processing timelines doesn't help anyone. The Department of Education has been transparent about the challenges with the new system and has committed to the March timeline through official channels.\n\nIf you're concerned about making college decisions without finalized aid offers, here are some helpful steps:\n\n1. Contact each college's financial aid office for their specific approach to the delays\n2. Ask if they can provide an estimated aid package based on your financial information\n3. Request deadline extensions for enrollment deposits if needed\n4. Document all communications with schools and the FSA office\n\nMost institutions want to work with students through this situation and have processes in place to help.
One more important tip: the new FAFSA allows you to list up to 20 colleges (up from 10 previously), but I still recommend submitting your application with your brother's most likely schools first. You can always add more schools later. The system has been having issues with processing delays when too many schools are listed initially. Also, watch out for the family contribution section - it now uses what's called "Student Aid Index" (SAI) instead of EFC, and the formula changed significantly. Families with multiple college students saw some of the biggest changes to their expected contributions.
also dont forget about css profile if he's applying to any private colleges!! thats different from fafsa and usually opens earlier like in october. costs money to submit too ugh
Wait, there's ANOTHER form? How is that different from FAFSA? Now I'm worried we're going to miss something important.
Yes, the CSS Profile is a separate financial aid application used by about 200 schools (mostly private colleges and some scholarship programs). Unlike FAFSA, it: - Usually opens in October (about two months before FAFSA) - Costs $25 for the first school and $16 for each additional school - Collects more detailed financial information including home equity - May require both parents' information even if divorced/separated - Looks at special circumstances more thoroughly Fee waivers are available for eligible families. You only need to complete it for schools that specifically require it - check each college's financial aid website to confirm.
Olivia Harris
That's great news! We're in the same boat - both kids' FAFSAs are showing as fully processed. Last year we were still fighting with verification in April, so this is a HUGE improvement. Fingers crossed the aid packages come through earlier too!
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Gabriel Graham
lucky you guys! still showing processing error for us. so frustrating when some people sail through and others get stuck in glitch hell. story of my life lol
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