My EFC is 6729, what does that qualify me for? We also have had no income since July, how can that change EFC?

Question

My mom & step-dad are getting divorced and she hasn't been working since last July. She is my only financial provider and hasn't had any income for the past year, however, the fafsa and her income tax return do not reflect this. How can a Unusual Circumstances form change the EFC?

Answer 1

Have you tried contacting the school itself? It is the first place to start with documented proof of the divorce and no income. Second, I recommend filing an amended FAFSA form, and there should be a link on the website to do it. I will list some other free sources to locate money for college.

First, the college's financial aid office and website has a list of private scholarships offered from outside organizations and companies. Sometimes a college major's website will list scholarships, too.

Second, the public library has a book listing scholarships with some not even listed on the web.

Third, the high school guidance office has a list of local scholarships and state scholarships & grants.

Fourth, a campus work study job can help with money needed during the school year. The program is funded by the federal government. It will be a job on campus and most times can work to your availability schedule. There should be a box on the FAFSA form for it.

Fifth, fill out the FAFSA form after January 1 of your senior year of high school. It will qualify her for need based financial aid from the federal government and the school itself. It will come in the form of scholarships, Pell Grant, student loans, and the work study program.

Finally, I recommend joining several free membership scholarship search websites. There are scholarships for a variety of things including ethnicity, clubs, hobbies, and even wearing duct tape to the high school prom. Most are updated on a regular basis. Most offer a customized search based on information entered onto a form on the website.

Good luck!

Answer 2

financial aid administrators have the capabilities to do something called a "professional judgment." basically what that means it that in your situation, they can do an income reduction that will change your EFC so that you can get more grants.

you should go talk to a financial aid counselor and see if there's anything like that at your school.

Answer 3

Contact your school's financial aid office and request an appeal for special circumstances or special consideration. They may be able to make adjustments to your data that may make you more eligible for additional funds. Good luck.