How to tell if the FAFSA website is actually down

The FAFSA website goes offline for maintenance regularly, and it can also experience outages when traffic is heavy. To find out whether the site is down for everyone or just for you, check the Federal Student Aid (FSA) status page at studentaid.gov/feedback-opin/fafsa/status. This page shows real-time updates about whether the FAFSA application system is working, undergoing maintenance, or experiencing problems.

If the status page says the system is operational but you still cannot access it, the problem is likely on your end. Try clearing your browser cache, using a different browser, or switching from WiFi to mobile data. If you are using Internet Explorer, switch to Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge — older browsers often do not work with the FAFSA site.

You can also call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) to confirm whether the website is down. They can tell you the current status and when the site is expected to be back online.

Key Takeaways

  • Check the official FSA status page at studentaid.gov/feedback-opin/fafsa/status to see whether the FAFSA website is down for everyone.
  • The FAFSA site goes offline for scheduled maintenance several times a year, usually announced in advance on the status page.
  • If the status page says the system is working but you cannot access it, try a different browser, clear your cache, or use a different internet connection.
  • Call 1-800-4-FED-AID if you need to confirm the site status or find out when maintenance will end.

Scheduled maintenance windows and when they happen

The Department of Education schedules maintenance on the FAFSA website regularly, usually during nights and weekends. The exact dates and times are posted on the FSA status page before maintenance begins. During these windows, you will not be able to start a new FAFSA, submit one, or check the status of an existing one.

Maintenance typically lasts a few hours, though it can extend longer if problems are found. If you see a message saying the site is down for maintenance, check back after the scheduled window ends. The status page will update when the system is back online.

What to do if you cannot access FAFSA during an outage

If the FAFSA website is down and you have not yet started your form, you will need to wait until it comes back online. There is no way to submit a FAFSA on paper or through another method — the online application is the only route.

If you are close to a school deadline, contact your school's financial aid office right away. Tell them the FAFSA website is down and ask whether they can extend your deadline or accept a FAFSA submission after the posted date. Many schools will work with you if the outage is documented on the FSA status page.

If you had already started your FAFSA before the outage, your progress is saved. When the site comes back online, log in with your FSA ID and you will see your form exactly where you left it.

Browser and device problems that look like a website outage

The FAFSA website requires JavaScript to be turned on and cookies to be enabled. If you have disabled either of these in your browser settings, the site will not load properly even when it is working. Check your browser settings and make sure both are enabled.

Some school or workplace networks block access to the FAFSA site. If you are trying to access it from a school computer or work computer, try using your phone on a personal mobile network instead. VPNs can also cause problems — try turning off any VPN software before accessing FAFSA.

If you are using an old version of your browser, update it to the latest version. The FAFSA site works best on current versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

What happens to your FAFSA if the site goes down while you are filling it out

The FAFSA automatically saves your work as you fill it out. If the website goes down or your internet connection drops while you are in the middle of the form, your answers are still there. When you log back in with your FSA ID, you will see your form with all the information you already entered.

You do not need to start over or resubmit anything. Just pick up where you left off and continue filling out the remaining sections.

Checking the status page before you start

Before you sit down to work on your FAFSA, spend 30 seconds checking the FSA status page. If maintenance is scheduled for that day or if there is an active outage, you will know not to waste time trying to access the site. The status page also shows historical information about past outages, so you can see how long they typically last.

You can also sign up for email updates from the FSA status page. When you do, you will receive notifications when maintenance is scheduled and when the system comes back online after an outage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does FAFSA maintenance usually take?

Scheduled maintenance typically lasts two to four hours, though it can run longer if issues are found. The FSA status page shows the expected end time before maintenance begins. Unplanned outages vary in length depending on the problem.

Can I submit my FAFSA on paper if the website is down?

No. The FAFSA is only available online. There is no paper form or alternative submission method. You must wait for the website to come back online to submit your form.

Will a website outage affect my school's deadline for FAFSA?

Your school's deadline does not change because of an outage, but many schools will extend deadlines or accept late submissions if the FAFSA website was down on the deadline date. Contact your financial aid office immediately if this happens to you and ask about an extension.

What if the FAFSA website keeps going down repeatedly?

If you are experiencing repeated connection problems, the issue is likely with your browser, device, or internet connection rather than the FAFSA site itself. Try a different browser, clear your cache, disable any VPN, and make sure JavaScript and cookies are enabled. If problems continue, call 1-800-4-FED-AID for technical support.

Can I check my FAFSA status if the website is down?

No. You cannot check the status of a submitted FAFSA or view your Student Aid Report when the website is down. Wait for the site to come back online, then log in with your FSA ID to see your information.