How do I know if I’ve signed up for a studentaid.gov account (FSA ID)? 

• Try creating a new account to see if an existing one appears. Then use Forgot My Password or Forgot My Username to log in. If you still cannot access the existing account, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243. 

Who are FAFSA contributors? 

• A student, the student’s spouse, and parent(s) (only biological or adoptive parents for dependent students) are contributors.
• Legal guardians, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, or anyone else who is not listed above are not considered contributors and should not be invited to the FAFSA.

Additional Resources

• Who is considered a parent?
• Who Is a Contributor on the 2024–25 FAFSA® Form?
  • Created for the 2024-25 application cycle, but still relevant for the currentFAFSA.

What should I do if my parents aren’t willing to provide their information?  

• We highly recommend talking to your parents about completing the form. Without their consent, you can only qualify for an Unsubsidized Student Loan, which accrues interest immediately.
• Ask a financial aid office professional or counselor for help navigating these questions.  
• If your parents will not provide information, you can still complete the FAFSA. However, you will need to indicate that you are applying for an Unsubsidized Student Loan only.

What do I do if a required contributor did not file taxes?

• First, check if a required contributor was required to file their taxes based on income thresholds. To do this, review the IRS Publication to see the income cutoff for filing taxes.  
• If a required contributor is required to file taxes but hasn’t done so, you won’t qualify for any type of FAFSA aid, including unsubsidized loans, until the applicable tax returns are completed.

If I change my Date of Birth (DOB) on the FAFSA, will that change my submission date? 

• Once you have submitted your FAFSA, the original submission date will not change.
• If you make any corrections to your FAFSA, it will show an updated date, but the original submission date will still be on file.  
• To change your DOB, you must edit your account on studentaid.gov, which shouldn’t affect your FAFSA. You cannot change your DOB in the FAFSA form itself.

What is the difference between In Progress, Submitted, and Processed on my FAFSA? 

• In progress means contributors (students or parent(s)) are still working on the FAFSA or have yet to sign and submit the form. 
• Submitted means the student and parent(s)/spouse (if applicable) have successfully signed their FAFSA, and the last person who signed clicked the “submit my FAFSA” button.
• Processed means the Federal Student Aid submission and database checks have been completed. This data is then sent to the student’s college and university choices (and to USHE for state scholarship requirements).

What does the status of my FAFSA mean? 

• For the 2025–26 FAFSA form, the status of your application will be one of the following: 

• • Draft: Your section of the FAFSA form is incomplete. 
  • In Progress: You (the student) provided your consent, approval, and signature to your section of the FAFSA form, but the FAFSA form has not yet been submitted because a required contributor (parent or spouse) is still working on the FAFSA or have yet to sign and submit their portion of the form. 
  • Submitted or In Review: The FAFSA form was signed by the student and the parent(s)/spouse have successfully signed and submitted, but it has not been processed by FSA yet.
  • Action Required: The form is missing your consent and approval or signature or the FAFSA form was processed, but needs a correction. This can also mean the FAFSA form was processed, but needs a correction.
  • Processed: The Federal Student Aid submission and database checks have been completed. This data is then sent to the student’s college and university choices (and to USHE for state scholarship requirements). No further action is needed. 
  • Closed: Your FAFSA form was not submitted within 45 days and can no longer be submitted. To submit the FAFSA, you’ll need to start a new application. 

What and where is my FAFSA Submission Summary (formerly known as SAR)? 

• What You Need To Know About the FAFSA Submission Summary 

• For additional Frequently Asked Questions, visit the Student Aid Help page.