Financial Aid: Live with grandparents, parents don't support.. how do I get financial aid?

Question

I registered for college and plan on applying for financial aid. I've lived with my grandparents for 3-4 years. They also claim me on their taxes. Money-wise, they've been the ones maintaining me and caring for me.

Fasfa specifically states that the one applying, if student is dependent, has to be a parent. No guardians, no grandparents. Legally, we never switched custody over to my grandparents (I can't now, no? Or there's no point, I'm nearing 19.)... and my mother hasn't paid to support me... at all. Nothing. I rarely ever speak with her (nor my father.)

How does this work then? =/ Has anyone had a similar situation?

Answer 1

You will need to call your mother and get her tax and income information to complete the fafsa.  She will also have to electronically sign the fafsa application by applying for a pin number.  Simple!  Plan on doing this for the next four years.  Her providing this info does not mean she is obligated to help you in any way.

Answer 2

the best thing to do is to call the 800 # that you see in the fafsa packet. also try calling the university for help.

Answer 3

You have to become emancipated (even though you are over 18).  The financial aid officer at your college should have information about this.  You have to have a couple of people write letters stating why the federal government should not ask for this information from them... there are a couple more things you have to do, but you can fill out your fafsa on your own.

Answer 4

First thing that you should do is contact a financial aid representative at the institution you're applying to. They should be able to help you in this situation. I would assume that if your grandparents have financially supported you these past few years and they have claimed you on their taxes, then they'd be considered your guardians as long as they have  documentation to support this. Financial aid can be tricky though, so do your homework first. For more financial aid info go to:

http://www.schools2colleges.com/financia...

Answer 5

Who claims you on their income taxes as a dependent?  Anyone?