New FSA ID/FAFSA renewal question

Paying for College
1

I put in all the info for getting a new FSA ID. Which was a pain and I really don’t see the difference between “the old” and “the new”.

However, when I hit the “FAFSA Renewal” button, and I type in my child’s name and info, they go to a new screen where I (after having put in my FSA ID) am asked to put in his FSA ID and information, including password!?!??!

This is not my recollection from last year. The only reason he needed a FAFSA ID (or whatever they called it) last year was to electronically sign the FAFSA. Otherwise, I was able to 100% access his FAFSA (after giving all my info and getting it checked) and not bug him until the very very end.

What gives? Am I missing something?

At this point, he hasn’t jumped through the hoops to get a new FSA ID, but even if he does, the point of each of us having our own FSA ID and password is negated if I have to ask him his, isn’t it?

2

It’s your kid’s FAFSA. The kid’s info is needed.

When we did ours, out kid had to log in first. All we needed to do,was sign at the end.

3

I put in his personal info, but they want his user ID and password. He is at college, so he can’t log in at the same time, so we can’t keep his info private.

It sounds like I have to have him create a FSA ID and password, and violate all known rules of user ids and passwords, and get it from him and use it.

It’s just pathetic for anyone who has the tiniest bit of computer security education and experience. And they are saying it will be more safe now?

4

Yes. He needs to log in with HIS user ID and password. It is HIS FAFSA, not yours. All you need to do is sign at the end. To open the FAFSA, HE needs to enter his username and ID.

If he doesn’t have a username and password, he is going to need one anyway…to get this FAFSA done.

5

We set up our FSA IDs during Xmas break.

I think like thumper says once student logs in with his FSA ID (he can do that from college) he can then make a password to save FAFSA from that point and parent should be able to add financial info using the student personal info and that unique password.

Then at the end you both need to sign to submit FAFSA.

6

Thank you, that clears it up. He is very stressed out so I don’t think he wants to deal with the FAFSA now. I’m lucky my parents took care of it back when and I never saw anything about it.

7

No…that is not what I said.

When we did this…the KID (or someone) had to start the FAFSA using the kid’s username and password. Then the information could be entered…and the parent and student both could sign at the end…each using their own username and password.

The student should have already created a username and password. This same username and password is used for all FAFSA filings. You don’t get a new password every year.

8

Yes, now that PIN method changed to FSA ID, it should hopefully stay that way for future FAFSAs.

He doesn’t have to do the whole FAFSA, entering all info. Just have him try to sign in with his FSA ID and then he just has to make an easy to remember password to save progress on the FAFSA and then you should be able to enter the rest of info with that password.

9

I guess they call that particular password a save key.

http://blog.ed.gov/2015/12/parents-guide-completing-fafsa/

Simply signing in with his FSA ID and making a save key should not be that hard.

10

That’s great. BUT it is different than the actual user ID/password that will be used to sign.

Thank you for that info!

11

Yes it is a save key set up to access FAFSA starting it.

Parent and student still have to sign with their own FSA IDs.

12

https://fafsa.ed.gov/help/createsavekeyVerified.htm

13

*above is supposed to say, "after starting it.

14

I think we are all set. I had to get a FSA ID and I assume my son will have to to sign, but for now, I can fill out the form with old information.

The email from the FAFSA people was rather foreboding, and the process was confusing.

15

@rhandco does this mean you hadn’t already gotten a FSA previously?

16

The letter we got said the FSA ID was new. My son and I both had login information from last time, but we got a letter saying the first step was:

"*** 1. Get an FSA ID ***

Last year you may have used your Federal Student Aid PIN to sign your FAFSA online. On May 10, 2015, we replaced the PIN with a username and password called the FSA ID. "

I had to use the PIN and username and password to get a FSA ID. He will need to get his own FSA ID.

17

@rhandco. Just asking. We got our FSA username and passwords last spring.