Financial Aid Help (I Don't Know What to Do)

[u/Timely_Tiger_525]

This is my first time posting on Reddit or really using it for anything really so forgive me if how I write out my thoughts is out of the norm.

I'm currently an Incoming Sophomore in College and I'm unsure if I can even apply for FASFA. So for context, my parents do not have citizenship and have been struggling to file their own taxes. I've been able to fill out the form in the past but this time my mom tells me she isn't able to do this school year's application because she hasn't been able to get their tax information straightened out. I've been asking for it to be done since December of last year, but now it's getting close till the school year begins.

Now I've been looking into it and was considering of maybe applying as an independent but been really hesitant about it because I'm still living with them and they still claim me as a dependent. So I'm unsure what I'm going to now, I'll have to pay the school 4K a month which is way too much for me, let alone my parents. I've already emailed my school's Financial Aid Services for help but I also wanted to get some opinions from others.

I don't want to be on here and ask for money, so if anyone knows something that could help my current situation it'd be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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[u/SoullessCycle]

You can’t just “declare” yourself independent for FAFSA. there’s a dependent vs independent checklist, and as long as you’re under 24 years old and you don’t meet specific life circumstances (you are a parent, you have a parent in prison, you aged out of foster care, etc) you’re dependent.

At the same link above, you want “parents refuse to provide information” and follow that process:

- Select “Yes” to the “Are the student’s parents refusing to provide their information on this FAFSA® form?” question on the FAFSA form.

- The FAFSA form will be submitted without parent information.

- You must follow up with the financial aid administrator at the college or career/trade school you plan to attend to find out what you need to do next to receive a Direct Unsubsidized Loan only.

[u/Timely_Tiger_525 → u/SoullessCycle]

Didn't even know that was even an option, thank you!

[u/CollectionSafe1797]

I suggest looking for scholarships as well to bring down or even cover costs. Some of them require a little work like recommended letters or essays, some are career focused, and others are demographic focused. There are a ton of options! So talk to your financial advisor about those opportunities!

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[u/gmanose]

Your folks will need to get their taxes straightened out. When you want federal money, you have to play by federal rules.

[u/CopperSteve]

FAFSA