The 2024-2025 FAFSA season has been notably challenging due to various technical glitches and delays. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone! This guide will help you tackle these issues step-by-step, ensuring your application is completed successfully.

Common FAFSA Issues

Here are some of the primary problems families are facing this year:

1. IRS Data Retrieval Tool Errors: Many forms had to be reprocessed due to errors with this tool . The IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) is designed to simplify the process by importing tax data directly into the FAFSA form. However, when this tool malfunctions, it leads to significant delays and errors that can disrupt the entire application process.

2. School Code Order Mistakes: Incorrect school code orders impacted state aid determinations . State aid often depends on the order of schools listed on the FAFSA. Errors in this section can lead to misallocation of state funds, affecting the financial aid packages offered by schools.

3. SSN and ITIN Problems: Students without Social Security Numbers (SSNs), or those with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), faced difficulties in entering their financial information correctly . These students often encounter validation issues that prevent the submission of their FAFSA forms.

4. Frequent Confirmation Prompts: Users are being asked to confirm their settings repeatedly, which is confusing and time-consuming . This glitch forces applicants to re-enter information multiple times, leading to frustration and potential errors.

Steps to Correct and Complete Your FAFSA

1. Review Your FAFSA Form: Double-check all your entered information for accuracy, especially tax data and school codes. Ensure that all personal and financial details match official documents to prevent any mismatches that could delay processing.

2. Monitor Your ISIR: Look out for reprocessed Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) from your schools, which should reflect any corrections made by the Department of Education . The ISIR is a critical document that schools use to determine your financial aid eligibility, so keeping track of its status is essential.

Handling Specific Glitches

1. Manual Entry for ITIN Holders: If you or your parent has an ITIN, you must manually enter your financial information. Although it’s cumbersome, it’s necessary until a permanent fix is in place . Ensure all entered data is accurate and double-check for any possible errors to avoid additional complications.

2. Dealing with Confirmation Prompts: If you encounter frequent prompts to confirm your settings, ensure your address settings are correct and update them as necessary to avoid being locked out . Consistent and accurate information helps reduce these repetitive prompts.

Seeking Help

1. Contact Financial Aid Offices: Reach out to the financial aid offices of the schools you’re applying to for specific guidance and updates on your application status. They can provide insights into any issues with your application and suggest corrective actions.

2. Use Federal Resources: The Department of Education offers various support resources and updates on known issues. Make sure to utilize these . The Federal Student Aid website is a valuable resource for troubleshooting common FAFSA problems and finding contact information for further assistance.

Stay Updated

1. Check for Updates Regularly: Visit the Federal Student Aid website frequently for the latest information on issue resolutions and updates . Staying informed about ongoing fixes and new developments can help you navigate the application process more smoothly.

2. Follow Up: Keep in touch with your school’s financial aid office to ensure they have received and processed your reprocessed ISIRs. Regular follow-ups can help you catch and correct any lingering issues before they affect your aid package.

While the technical glitches and delays with the 2024-2025 FAFSA process can be frustrating, following these steps can help you navigate the issues effectively. By staying informed, correcting errors, and seeking help when needed, you can ensure your financial aid application is processed smoothly. Stay proactive, and remember that support is available to help you through this challenging process. Whether it’s double-checking your information, reaching out for assistance, or staying updated on the latest developments, these actions can significantly reduce the stress and uncertainty surrounding FAFSA submissions. For additional information about FAFSA, please visit https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/help

Whether you're looking to pay off student loans, build an emergency fund, or plan for retirement, we're here to help every step of the way. Your financial success is our top priority, and we look forward to assisting you on your journey towards a brighter financial future. 

LynnLeigh & Company - A Registered Investment Advisor This information is provided by LynnLeigh & Co. for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable – LynnLeigh & Co. advisors cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information presented here is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances. To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.   Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.