FAFSA Still Open: How to Secure Your Financial Aid During the Government Shutdown

The United States government has officially entered a shutdown, as of October 1, 2025, and the U.S. Department of Education is included. Since the Department of Education oversees the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), some parents and students may wonder: What does this mean for financial aid? The great news is that while the government is currently in a standstill, the FAFSA form is still open, and you should not delay completing it. According to a memo from Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, “The Department will continue to disburse student aid such as Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student loans, and student loan borrowers will still be required to make payments on their outstanding student debt.”

Why the FAFSA Still Matters

Even during a government shutdown, the FAFSA remains the most critical step in securing financial aid. Complete the 2026-2027 FAFSA early to keep your place in line while the government shutdown is in place. Financial aid, whether federal grants, loans, or work-study, is often distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Filing now positions you ahead of others who wait, and it keeps you eligible for state grants and college-based aid that rely on your FAFSA information. FAFSA Tips for High School Seniors and Parents

What Happens During a Shutdown?

During a shutdown, federal agencies, including the Department of Education, often experience reduced staffing. That can mean delays in FAFSA processing or slower responses to questions. However: • The FAFSA system itself stays online and open. • You can still submit your application or renewal. • Colleges will still receive your FAFSA information, even if federal staff are limited. Understanding How the FAFSA Works

What Should Students and Parents Do Now?

Whether you’re a high school senior preparing for Fall 2026, or a current college student renewing your FAFSA, staying proactive is key. Here’s what you can do today: File Early: Complete your FAFSA as soon as possible. Submitting early increases your chances for state aid and institutional financial aid and scholarships. 10 Common FAFSA Mistakes that Could Cost You Financial Aid Track Deadlines:Each state sets its own FAFSA deadlines, and many award aid on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your state's FAFSA deadlines so you don’t miss out. Keep Records: Save a copy of your submitted FAFSA confirmation page and any emails you receive. These documents may be helpful if there are delays. Contact Financial Aid Offices: Colleges often provide guidance during uncertain times. If you have questions, reach out to the financial aid office at your chosen or prospective schools. Stay Informed: Stay up to date with the latest FAFSA information, deadlines and strategies for maximizing aid. While the government shutdown may slow some processes, it does not stop your ability to apply for financial aid. The FAFSA remains open, and submitting it now is one of the smartest steps you can take toward securing financial aid, grants, and federal student loans. Think of the shutdown as temporary; don’t put your education and future funding opportunities on hold. By acting now, you’ll be ready when everything returns to full speed.

Additional Impacts of the Federal Government Shutdown

More educational impacts related to student funding are in effect, too. While some of these may not directly impact high school seniors, they may affect current college students; it’s important to be aware of other higher education impacts. Chief Borrower Advocate at Savi, Lindsay Clark, details these below: Not Impacted • Pell Grants and Federal Direct Loan Payments – Students should expect to still receive the expected distributed funds. • PSLF Employment Certification Forms, Income-Driven Repayment Applications, and Student Loan Deferment or Forbearance Requests – Current students, student loan borrowers and public service employees can still apply for and/or submit forms. This portion of their site is still open. However, do expect delays once the government shutdown is over. • Student Loan Payments – All student loan payments are still due! Student loan servicers are open to take your student loan payments. Payment defaults and past-due student loan payments will be placed in and remain in collections. • FAFSA’s AI tool, Aidan – Students working on their FAFSA who have any questions can use the Aidan Chatbot or the built-in FAFSA tool to ask questions and troubleshoot. Impacted • Direct Customer Service Resources - The Department of Education’s customer service resources [will not] be available during the shutdown. This includes customer service at the Office of Student Aid. The Federal Student Aid Office manages the FAFSA among many other student aid elements like the work-study program, federal student loans, federal grants and more. The Federal Student Aid Instagram account posted a Story on October 1 detailing the FAFSA impact. The Instagram account @federalstudentaid/ Story read, “You can still fill out your FAFSA form! Financial aid disbursements aren’t affected by the government shutdown. You should still make payments on your federal student loans. Need help? Aidan’s got your back 24/7 at StudentAid.gov. We [will not] be posting or replying to questions during the shutdown, but help is still available online.”