May 1, 2024
SSNImmediate Access
The Department is announcing changes to their systems to allow applicants and contributors without a Social Security number (SSN) to immediately access the online 2024-25 FAFSA form after creating a StudentAid.gov account. These changes should significantly streamline the application process for students who have contributors without an SSN. More information available on the Federal Student Aid website.
April 17, 2024
Making Corrections
Updates from the Department of Education:
- Students and contributors can make corrections to their 2024-25 FAFSA forms.
- Students should return to studentaid.gov/FAFSA to update their applications, including adding schools, signing or providing consent for tax data to be shared.
- Department of Education processes corrections within one to three days of an applicant submitting a correction.
April 5, 2024
Loading ISIRs
Our office is slowly receiving ISIRs from the Department of Education. Those students will begin seeing a message in their WMU email stating that WMU received their FAFSA. Please note, packaging offer letters will still remain by the end of April due to testing and making sure offer letters are accurate.
March 29, 2024
Viewing FAFSA Form
Applicants are now able to check the status of their FAFSA at studentaid.gov by logging in using their FSA ID, navigate to their dashboard and select the “2024-25 FAFSA form” from the “My Activity” page. The application status will state one of the following:
Draft:Your section of the FAFSA form is incomplete.
In Progress:You provided your consent, approval, and signature to your section of the FAFSA form, but the FAFSA form has not been submitted yet.
In Review:You have submitted your form, and your application is still processing.
Processed:Your application was processed successfully. No further action is needed.
Action Required:Your application requires further action from you or your contributor(s). In some cases, you may need to contact your college or career/trade school to resolve the issue.
Closed:Your FAFSA form was never submitted and can no longer be submitted because the federal FAFSA deadline passed.
Department of Education Updated Timeline
By the end of March: ED intends to clear backlog of submitted applications
First half of April: Students can make updates and corrections to their FAFSAs, ED provides "detailed information" on common FAFSA form errors, ED starts reprocessing applications impacted by a previously identified issue
March 15, 2024
Updates to SSN creation
The Department of Education has made technical updates that enable students with contributors without a SSN to now successfully submit the FAFSA form.Further information is available on the Federal Student Aid website. Some students in this scenario, however, may still be encountering trouble submitting the form – the Department is aware of these issues and is working on resolutions. A tips document to help students navigate the FAFSA form and any remaining issues is available in English and in Spanish.
March 6, 2024
We are on target for our University to receive 2024-25 FAFSA data by mid-March as stated by the Department of Education.
Feb. 22, 2024
Resolution for 2024-25 FAFSA Contributors without Social Security Numbers
The Department of Education (DOE) announced that it would resolve a FAFSA issue that is preventing submission when a contributor does not have a SSNin the first half of March. We are suggesting that applicants wait until a permanent solution is resolved, unless the situation is urgent. The DOE instructs applicants whose parents do not have a SSN to check their FAFSA status in the first half of March when the processing of FAFSA forms will begin, at which time students will need to make corrections to their form and have their contributors provide their consent and signature.
Forgoing parent FAFSA information and applying for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan only
The FAFSA application explains that if your parents don't support you and refuse to provide their information on the application,you may submit your FAFSA form without their information. However, you won't be able to get any federal student aid other than a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Please note: Our office will determine students' eligibility for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan only, and that it is not guaranteed.
Delay in reviewing completed FAFSA informationand making corrections
At this time, most students are unable to view completed FAFSA information and may see a message that indicates their FAFSA is "in process" or "under review."Federal Student Aid has indicated that FAFSA information may not be available to review or edit—by students or schools—until sometime in March. Additionally, schools will not receive or be able to access FAFSA information and results until March. At the time schools receive FAFSA data, students should be able to fully review their FAFSA information and make corrections if needed.
