Can I get aid for fall 08 in my circumstance?

Question

This upcoming monday, I am going to be granted "Independent Status" by my school, so I will get access to more aid. But because in Caifornia the deadline was March 2nd for FAFSA and Sept 2nd for all other aid awards, does that mean 2008-09, I will not recieve any aid. I need aid for fall, but if I won't see anything this year...I dunno. Does anyone know if I will be recieving aid, even this late.

Answer 1

If you already completed your 08-09 FAFSA and could not answer the question: Were you born before January 1, 1985, you are still considered 'dependent' by the federal government.

Federal Gov't trumps state gov't.

I just helped a student who was born on January 7, 1985.....she is still 'dependent'.

You didn't say 'why' you are being granted Independent status.

It doesn't necessarily mean more aid.........sometimes it means less.  Just keep that in mind.

Answer 2

When my school overrode my dependency status and granted me "Independent Status", I was still awarded full financial fall aid (it was probably two weeks before school started or less).  It took so much work to get to that point.

The school is pushing that override button which means they are seeing your situation as exceptional.  I also assume that you were on top of this before the deadlines.  Regardless, someone is putting in a whole lot of work to cut some red tape so I am pretty sure they are expecting you to attend this fall.  Obviously, they know you wont be able to afford it otherwise.

Answer 3

im almost in the same situation as u, and i am having a wicked hard time..  i have always gotten aid in full and now they are gettin alot more strict so... i would think ur gunna have an issue if i am and my deadline is tommorrow

Answer 4

It doesn't not mean you will get no aid, the federal deadlines are not until June 30th of 2009, so you WILL still get federal aid. Just probably not anytime soon.  Most schools will give it to you when it eventually comes in, and if you have already paid your balance off.

Also, being classified as independent isn't all its cracked up to be, and won't necessarily get you more aid.  (Pell grant amounts are the same regardless of your dependency status.  You will be able to borrow 2,000 more dollars a year.  Personally, I don't think borrowing more is exactly a perk.