How to tell if the FAFSA site is actually down

The FAFSA website goes offline for maintenance regularly, and it can also experience outages. To find out whether the site is down for everyone or just for you, check studentaid.gov/feedback-oasissupport — this is the official status page run by Federal Student Aid. It shows real-time updates about system maintenance and known issues.

If the status page shows no alerts, your connection problem is likely on your end. Try clearing your browser cache, using a different browser, or switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data. If the status page lists active maintenance or an outage, you will see the expected duration and when the site should return.

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

Key Takeaways

  • Check studentaid.gov/feedback-oasissupport to see the official status of the FAFSA website before troubleshooting your own connection.
  • Scheduled maintenance windows happen regularly and are posted in advance on the status page.
  • If the status page shows no alerts, try clearing your browser cache, using a different browser, or switching your internet connection type.
  • Call 1-800-4-FED-AID if you cannot reach the site and the status page shows no outage, or if you need to know when the site will reopen.

Scheduled maintenance windows and when they happen

Federal Student Aid performs routine maintenance on the FAFSA website, and these windows are announced in advance. Maintenance typically happens during off-peak hours, often late evening or early morning, but can extend into business hours depending on the scope of updates.

The status page at studentaid.gov/feedback-oasissupport lists upcoming maintenance before it begins. You can also sign up for email notifications about planned downtime through that same page. If you are planning to submit your FAFSA during a known maintenance window, wait until the site is back online rather than trying repeatedly.

What to do if you cannot submit your FAFSA while the site is down

If the FAFSA site is down and you are close to your school's financial aid deadline, contact your school's financial aid office directly. They can tell you whether they will accept a late submission and what documentation they need from you. Many schools will hold your place in the aid process if you have started the FAFSA and can show proof of your attempt.

Keep a screenshot or note of the date and time you tried to submit, along with any error messages you received. This record helps your school understand that the delay was not your fault. Some schools also accept a signed statement from you confirming that you submitted the FAFSA on a specific date, even if the submission did not go through.

Browser and connection issues that look like a site outage

Problems on your end often feel like the whole site is down. Outdated browser cache can prevent the FAFSA site from loading correctly, even if it is running normally. Clear your cache by going to your browser settings, finding the option to clear browsing data, and selecting "cached images and files." Then try the site again.

Cookies can also cause login problems. If you cannot sign in with your FSA ID (Federal Student Aid ID), try clearing cookies along with your cache. If you are using an older browser version, update it — the FAFSA site works best on current versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Disabling browser extensions, particularly password managers and ad blockers, sometimes resolves loading issues as well.

Using a mobile device or different network if the site will not load

If the site loads on your phone but not your computer, or vice versa, the problem is device-specific rather than a site outage. Try using a different device or switching from Wi-Fi to a mobile hotspot. If the site works on mobile data but not your home Wi-Fi, your router or internet service provider may be blocking access — contact your ISP or restart your router.

The FAFSA mobile app is also available through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If the website is giving you trouble, the app sometimes works when the website does not, though both draw from the same backend system. The app requires the same FSA ID login as the website.

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

The FAFSA saves your work automatically as you fill it out. If your connection drops or the site goes down mid-session, your answers are stored. When the site comes back online, log in with your FSA ID and you will return to the same place you left off. You do not lose progress because of a temporary outage.

However, if you were on the final submission screen when the outage occurred, check your submission status after the site is back up. Some submissions go through even if you did not see a confirmation page. Log in and look at your FAFSA status to confirm whether it was submitted. If you are unsure, call your school's financial aid office — they can see whether your FAFSA arrived on their end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the FAFSA site go down every year at the same time?

The FAFSA undergoes scheduled maintenance throughout the year, but there is no single predictable outage window. The site typically has more traffic in October through April, which is when most students submit. Federal Student Aid posts maintenance schedules on the status page, so check there before you plan to submit.

Can I submit my FAFSA through my school instead of the website?

No. You must submit the FAFSA through studentaid.gov. Your school cannot submit it for you, but they can help you troubleshoot if you are having trouble accessing the site. They can also tell you whether a late submission will affect your aid package.

What if I have been trying to submit for days and the site keeps going down?

Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID. They can confirm whether there is an ongoing issue and may be able to tell you when the problem will be resolved. Also contact your school's financial aid office to let them know you are having persistent technical problems — they may be able to note this in your file.

Will I lose my FAFSA if I do not submit it before a certain date?

Your FAFSA is saved automatically, so you will not lose it. However, your school has financial aid deadlines, and submitting late may affect the types and amounts of aid you receive. Check your school's deadline and submit as soon as the site is working, but do not panic if a temporary outage causes a short delay.