The Department of Education has reassured students facing difficulties completing the new federal financial aid application due to their parents lacking Social Security numbers that a solution is in the works. On Tuesday, the department announced that a permanent fix is anticipated to roll out in the first half of March. However, in the meantime, a workaround has been provided. Students encountering critical state, institutional, or other scholarship organization aid deadlines can utilize this workaround by following specific steps outlined by the Education Department.
This temporary process allows students to complete the form, albeit resulting in an “incomplete” submission that will require correction later. The news of both a workaround and a forthcoming permanent fix comes as a relief to students who have faced obstacles in completing the Education Department’s simplified 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Delays and glitches in the application process, exacerbated by the launch of the new form three months later than usual in late 2023, have disproportionately impacted vulnerable populations.
U.S. Representative Jared Huffman emphasized that the immigration status of parents should not impede U.S. citizen students from accessing federal financial aid for higher education. Financial advisers, such as Jack Wallace of educational consultant Yrefy LLC, echoed concerns about the barriers hindering students from securing financial aid.
In response to the issues, the Education Department has taken several actions. Firstly, it has provided detailed instructions for the workaround to organizations supporting affected students and plans to publish these instructions in English and Spanish on StudentAid.gov. Secondly, the department has expanded its call center staff, including Spanish speakers, to assist individuals in establishing StudentAid.gov accounts and navigating the process. Additionally, a new targeted listserv for affected communities will provide regular updates on FAFSA-related developments.
Despite these efforts, concerns remain. The Education Department estimates that approximately 2% of applicants face this particular issue. Justin Draeger, head of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), acknowledged the department’s efforts but stressed the need to remain focused on achieving a permanent fix. While interim solutions may alleviate immediate challenges, Draeger emphasized the importance of addressing the root cause comprehensively.
College advisers welcomed the interim solution but expressed apprehension about its impact on college enrollment. Shannon Vasconcelos from Bright Horizons College Coach highlighted the potential consequences of FAFSA-related glitches, including discouraging students from pursuing higher education. Vasconcelos noted that these obstacles could deter students, particularly those in vulnerable positions, from seeking assistance and ultimately lead them to forgo college altogether.
In summary, while the Education Department’s efforts to address FAFSA-related issues are commendable, there is a continued need for comprehensive solutions to ensure equitable access to financial aid for all eligible students. Despite the challenges posed by glitches and delays, stakeholders remain committed to supporting students in their pursuit of higher education.