Sure, sometimes high school students don’t want to invite their parents to something, but in the case of the FAFSA, most students need to invite their parents.
Students completing the 2026-27 FAFSA (if they are determined to be dependent students) are asked to invite their parent or parents to contribute to the FAFSA. Students only need to provide the email address for their parent or parents.
Sometimes, however, parents don’t receive the invitation email, (and it’s not because the student didn’t want to invite them). If that’s the case, here are some steps to take when the invite isn’t received:
- Use the code provided when the student sends the invite. This is the easiest resolution when an invite isn’t received. A student who has invited a parent or parents to their FAFSA should receive a code when that invitation is sent. The student can share that code with the parent or parents who can then sign into their account, click on “Accept an Invitation” and enter the code to matched to the student’s FAFSA.
- Check the spam or junk email folder. It’s possible that the invite was identified as spam and went to one of those folders. If so, the parent should move it to their inbox and then follow the instructions in the email.
- Check to make sure the parent email is entered correctly. Parents may want to be there when the student is entering their email to make sure it is accurate.
- Check the answers to FAFSA questions. There are a few questions on the FAFSA that depending on how a student responds could prevent an invite from being sent to the parent. For example, if the student is determined to be independent, if the student indicates they have unusual circumstances, or if the student selected that they only want an unsubsidized Direct Loan. In those cases, a parent won’t need to contribute to a student’s FAFSA, but it could have an impact on the student’s financial aid if those answers are not correct. The student and parent or parents may want to review those questions on the FAFSA to make sure the answers accurately reflect the student’s situation.
- Call 1-800-4-FEDAID. If all else fails, call Federal Student Aid for assistance because there may be a technical issue that is preventing the parent from contributing to a student’s FAFSA.
Parent information is critical for a student’s FAFSA to be processed so both students and parents shouldn’t let a lost or missing invitation keep them from completing the form.
