How To Contact FAFSA Customer Service

published on 10 December 2023

To get in touch with someone about your FAFSA application, you can call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-433-3243 or send an email to studentaid@ed.gov. 

There are a few more ways to get in touch with someone regarding your FAFSA application and we'll help explain those to you in this article.

FAFSA Customer Service

Getting in touch with FAFSA's customer service can help you get your questions answered. Understanding the available channels ensures a smoother process which means less headaches for you!

FAFSA Hours of Operation

Monday: 8 a.m.–9 p.m. Eastern time (ET)

Tuesday–Wednesday: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET

Thursday–Friday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. ET

Saturday–Sunday: Closed

Closed on all federal holidays

FAFSA Email

There are two ways to send an email if you have questions regarding the FAFSA. You can send an email to studentaid@ed.gov or when you login to your account on the Student Aid website, there is an Email form you can fill out.

FAFSA Email Form
FAFSA Email Form

FAFSA Phone

For more direct assistance, calling FAFSA customer service is an effective option. Dial FAFSA's contact number, 1-800-433-3243 to speak with a representative.

Prepare your questions and have any necessary documentation on hand for a productive conversation.

FAFSA Chat

For real-time assistance, FAFSA's online chat feature can be a convenient option. Visit the official website during business hours and access the chat function for immediate support.

A pop up window will guide you in filling out the necessary information to get the chat started. You will be asked to select from a list of subjects and then confirm what you have a question about.

Here's an example of what the FAFSA chat screen looks like:

FAFSA Chat Session
FAFSA Chat Session

FAFSA Website

The information provided here was found on the Federal Student Aid website. While a valuable resource, it can be pretty difficult to find the right information.. but that's what we're here for!

If there's ever any information you may be confused about, please contact us to let us know. We will do the research and make sure you're getting your questions answered. 

How long does it take for FAFSA to get approved?

If you submitted your FAFSA form online, then your application will be processed by the U.S. Department of Education within 3-5 days.

If you submitted a paper FAFSA form, the U.S Department of Education will process your application within 7-10 days.

How do I know if my FAFSA was approved?

After submitting your FAFSA, you can check the status by selecting "Log In" on the online FAFSA home page. Here you can utilize the online portal, where you can check your application's status, review any additional requirements, and receive updates.

How does FAFSA contact you?

If the U.S. Department of Education has a valid e-mail address on file for you, they will send you an email within 3 to 5 days, with instructions on how to access an online copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR).

If they do not have a valid e-mail address on file, then your Student Aid Report will be postal mailed to you within 7 to 10 days.

What are the 3 most common FAFSA mistakes?

1. Not Completing the FAFSA

By not completing the FAFSA, you could be missing out on a huge opportunity to qualify for thousands of dollars that will help you pay for college.

The FAFSA does not take long to complete, with plenty of guidance along the way. Make sure you complete it!

2. Incorrect Personal Information

Ensure that all personal details, including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth, are entered accurately to avoid processing delays.

3. Missed Deadlines

Timeliness is crucial. Missing FAFSA deadlines can result in reduced aid or a missed opportunity to secure financial assistance.

What is the deadline for FAFSA 2023-2024?

The deadline to complete a FAFSA form for the 2023-24 award year is 11:59pm Central time (CT) on June 30, 2024.

It's important to note that many states and colleges have earlier deadlines for applying for state and institutional financial aid. Be sure to check your state's deadlines and reach out to your college to find out what their deadlines may be.

How do I start filling out a FAFSA Form?

1. Go to fafsa.gov

2. Choose the correct FAFSA application for you (2023-2024 or 2024-2025)

3. Select "I am a student and want to access the FAFSA form."

4. Log in with your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID or your personal identifiers.

Final Thoughts on FAFSA Customer Service

Contacting FAFSA customer service, understanding the approval timeline, staying informed about the application's progress, and avoiding common mistakes are key aspects of a successful FAFSA journey.

By leveraging these insights, applicants can navigate the federal financial aid process with confidence and ease.

After seeing how much "free money" is available to you, consider other options to keep your student loan debt as low as possible. You could ask family members for help, search for scholarship opportunities, or work for a company that will pay for your degree!

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