My FAFSA application got processed the other day and I was looking through it and I got this message. What does this mean? I am a US citizen? How do I fix this?
Have you always been a U.S. citizen, or were you a citizen of another country first?
The first thing would be to confirm that you used the correct SSN.
No, both my parents were naturalized when I was 4.
Yes, it’s the correct SSN.
Do you have your paperwork? You might have to visit the SS office. Get your certificate in order and check your parents did whatever they needed to do at SS when they were naturalized (we had to go in person to so some paperwork) and it is possible you still have that to do? Do you have a passport? Real ID drivers licence?
Yes I have a passport and drivers license. I’m going tomorrow, after I prove I’m a citizen, will the social security administration fix it? Or do I need to process the FAFSA form again?
I ran into the same thing when I applied for social security benefits (I am retired). I got US citizenship many decades ago, but the immigration and naturalization people apparently do not communicate with the social security people.
I had to go down to the closest social security office with proof that I was a US citizen. I actually took my US passport, but I am pretty sure that my naturalization papers would have been sufficient also. I did take my social security card with me. I was there for a couple of hours, nearly all of which involved waiting.
Once you get social security straightened out, you probably should contact the financial aid office at the university and ask them what additional steps you need to take.
Also make sure your colleges have the correct info for admission purposes also, check your applications have you classified as a citizen.
No they do not and cannot by law. YOU have to go an have your status changed at the SSA. It cannot be done by mail or phone. Sometimes it still doesn’t get changed and it takes something like college FA or applying for a security clearance or applying for benefits to even inform the person the status isn’t correct with SSA.
SSA will only accept a passport or certification from INS/USCIS like a Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization to change the status. The SSA cannot determine citizenship status from other documents (like the A number stamped in a passport or on a Green Card). Not a DL (even RealID), not a copy of a passport, not a court order like an adoption certificate. Passport or C of C/C of N only (ask me how I know!)
OP, once you change it with the SSA, you will have to go to the college FA office and show them the original Passport or C of Naturalization. They may take a copy to get the process moving, but by regulation they have to SEE the original before they can release the FA. Do NOT send them the original passport/C of N.
I wouldn’t wait for the FAFSA to update automatically because it may never do that. Go to your FA office with the documentation. If you change the status at SSA you should receive a new SS card, but it will look exactly like the old one and the school (or any employer) can’t tell if your status is citizen or not.
You will be required to submit proof of citizenship to each aid office. In addition, you will be asked to show the actual document in person when you matriculate at your chosen school. Definitely go to the SSA to get it squared away so you won’t have the issue every year you apply for aid.