Hi, I am a senior in high school and i filled out the FAFSA before March 1, 2007 so that i could recieve financial aid for the college i am attending in the fall. I do not live with my parents, and they have never cared for me or supported me financially in any way. We do not even speak. Therefore, I was told that my FAFSA form could not be processed due to the factors that I have no parents to sign the form with the information that I did not know if they would file taxes, and do not know their incomes. With this in hand, I have no money, and do not currently have the money to pay for college or summer programs to help my career without help, and do not want a bunch of student loans. There must be something I can do because I have been neglected and abandoned by my parents. I just dont know what that is yet.
2007-04-18 05:39:56 · 6 answers · asked by s..... 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Financial Aid
From the FAFSA:
"Grandparents, foster parents and legal guardians are not considered parents on this form unless they have legally adopted you."
So unless you have been legally adopted by someone, they SHOULD NOT sign your FAFSA.
Financial aid officers have the ability to suggest that your dependency status be overridden (on a paper fafsa, there is a space on the back for them to do this) and you would be considered independent. Unfortunately, this is no easy process and usually requires proof of your family history in the form of letters from counselors, social workers or someone in a similar position who is familiar with your situation.
Your best bet is to explain your situation to someone in the financial aid office of the school that you are interested in. Some schools have a more strict approach than others, but it is possible.
Good luck!
2007-04-18 07:26:07 · answer #1 · answered by jeebusluvsnsync 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK, so what is your family status?
If you're living with legal guardians, then they sign as "parents."
If you're a fully emancipated minor, then you need to storm into the financial aid office (or call them on the phone) and demand to speak to the director. Carry documentation (or offer to provide it) that you are in fact independent.
I've known many financial aid offices that treat students mechanically. Part of that attitude must come with the pressures of the job; financial aid directors are the only people on the college's payroll who regularly are faced with the prospect of going to prison.
2007-04-18 05:46:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, first of all, thank the 1992 Republican Congress for your dilemma (I was in school at the time they made the change and had to drop out). :(
Second, you can get a waiver. Go to your financial aid office and ask to see a counselor (you might have to make an appointment). Tell them that you want a waiver. They will give you some forms and you might have to write a letter. Usually there is a committee that decides on requests like yours.
If you do end up having to drop out, don't give up on your education! Get a job at a company that reimburses its employees for educational costs and get back in school as soon as possible.
Good luck! :)
2007-04-18 05:44:44 · answer #3 · answered by searching_please 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You need to go talk to the financial aid people at the college you are applying to. They can find ways around things like this. That or join the military and make them pay for your college.
2007-04-18 05:43:30 · answer #4 · answered by dusmul78 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to be living somewhere. Whom ever is supporting you is the one who needs to supply their tax info and sign the form as your guardian.
2007-04-18 05:49:12 · answer #5 · answered by Sane 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What do you do about school documents requiring parental signature?
IF you have a legal guardian, then that person would sign your FAFSA.
If you really are independent, you should get yourself emancipated.
2007-04-18 05:46:05 · answer #6 · answered by Vegan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋