Financial aid administrators reported increasing disruptions in service from the Federal Student Aid office following the U.S. Department of Education’s widespread layoffs in March. Surveys indicate a rise from 59% to 72% of institutions experiencing delays and communication breakdowns, impacting students' access to federal aid. The Education Department disputes these findings, citing methodological issues in the surveys. Additionally, some civil rights staff who were laid off are slated for reinstatement in phases starting September, amid ongoing legal pressures to restore workforce levels.