Do single mothers qualify for more aid in federal grants than married mothers?

Question

I'm about to apply for financial aid for community college. I am not married to my boyfriend whom I have two children by and live with. I would like to be married to him but he thinks that I'll qualify for a larger grant if I remain a single, stay at home mother. I don't think it will make much difference because either way we still make the same amount of income. He claims the kids on his taxes because I'm not working outside the home. So, does anyone honestly know how federal grants rate married mothers versus single mothers?

Answer 1

Federal grant amounts are the same for ppl who are married vs unmarried - if that is what you are asking.  The max for the year is around $4,700 next year....married or not.

Fin aid is classified as either independent or independent.  Folks who are independent can take out more money in federal student loans.  (Not exactly a perk in my book).  

Simply not being married doesn't classify you dependent either, a lot depends on other things like your age.  Go to http://fafsa.ed.gov and click on "Determine my dependency status" to see if being married is going to make a difference one way or ther other... because if you are over 24 it isn't going to make a difference.

Answer 2

i know alot of married women that get grants. they want your tax retrun info. some married women i know get back just as much as i do. it also depnds on the classes you take and the hours you take

Answer 3

If you get married you will have to report his income.  You will probably get the same amount if he doesn't make a lot of money.  If he makes over $30k it will reduce the amount of federal aid that you are eligible for.  Single women get more federal grants than married women.