Addressing FAFSA Challenges for Mixed-Status Families 

Written By EdLoC National

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) was overhauled this year, and some new changes are posing challenges for mixed-status families. The main issue is the requirement for all contributors to have their own StudentAid.gov account, known as the FSA ID, to complete the FAFSA. Contributors need a Social Security Number (SSN) to proceed with this process, posing a significant obstacle for mixed-status families where some contributors may not have an SSN. EdLoC and many of our members, including Reyna Montoya from Aliento and Viridiana Carrizales from ImmSchools, are advocating for solutions. Read EdLoC’s letter to the Office of Management and Budget and consider taking the actions below: 

  • Submit a comment letter through the federal registry outlining the issues students are encountering by February 26. 

  • Reach out to Astou Thiane from ImmSchools (astou@immschools.org) if you are interested in potentially joining a joint letter to the DOE expressing concern and demanding an immediate solution to this problem. EdLoC plans to join any joint letter efforts. Let me know if you’d like to be connected to Astou or if you prefer to reach out directly to her.

  • Share this resource from the National College Attainment Network with students and families.  

  • This slide deck provides FAFSA guidance for mixed-status families.  

EdLoC National
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FAFSA Updates Jeopardize Federal College Aid for Students from Mixed-Status Families, EdLoC Urges Department of Education to Continue Working Swiftly to Solve the Issue

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