FAFSA Question.?

Question

I am 20 and currently living in my parents house hold. The last time I applied for financial aid, when I was 18, my only options were student loans. I was told that this was because of my parents income, which is roughly $75,000 a year. My parents cannot afford to help me pay for school, they have several bills, and money is tight around here as is. I have a job making $7.50 an hour. Is there a way I can get more aid? Or is this just a flaw in FAFSA. Do they have to have my parents income if I'm 20? Would it help if I paid rent? I appreciate any answers. Thank you.

Answer 1

I had this question a few years back, here's the guidelines from the FAFSA website (I've linked their FAQ below). You don't have to include them and can be considered independent if ANY of the following are true:

is 24 years of age (born before January 1, 1981 for the 2004-05 school year or before January 1, 1982 for the 2005-06 school year);

is a qualified veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces (honorably discharged with DD-214 separation papers by June 30, 2005 for the 2004-05 school year or June 30, 2006 for the 2005-06 school year);

is or will be enrolled in a graduate or professional program;
is married;

both parents are deceased or is a ward of the court (or was before age 18);

has legal dependent(s) who live with and are supported by the student; or
has documented exceptional family circumstances (i.e., abuse, alcoholism, imprisonment etc.). This type of exception is called a dependency override and must be approved by a college financial aid administrator.

Answer 2

confident, you will possibly be able to desire to report a renewal each year, as close to to January a million as a probability. the dep. of training opens its doors to people involved in submitting their 2007 FAFSA on January a million, 2007. right this is an insider tip - the nearer you could report your FAFSA to that date, the extra clever. The longer you wait, the extra serious your probability is of paying for grants and backed economic help like the backed Stafford loan. the reason being amazingly basic - there's a constrained volume of grant help available each year, and it rather is distributed on a universal come, first served foundation. the dep. of training does not allow you to report your FAFSA for the 2007-2008 year in the previous January a million, so make certain which you do keep on with as close to to that day as a probability.

Answer 3

As far as the FAFSA goes, you have to include parent information if you're under 24 (unless you have children/other dependents, are an orphan/ward of the court, are a veteran, or have already received a bachelor's degree).

However, most college financial aid offices have forms you can fill out for unusual circumstances like yours. I'd say go in and talk to them, or call/email, and see what they have to say.

Good luck!!

Answer 4

YES you have to submit your parents info on the FAFSA unless you are a married student. It doesn't matter what your bills are, it's based solely off the income vs. the cost of school.

Answer 5

I would go to school at a community college since it's cheaper and you should be able to get FAFSA and if you work you should be able to file your own income taxes. If you're not making enough to file taxes go to the IRS and get a non filer's statement that you didnt file in the previous tax year.

Answer 6

You can apply by yourself and don't give them your parents info because you're of age and don't earn enough to pay for college. Fill it out and see, I think you will qualify and get more.

Answer 7

I honestly dont know. Sorry.