How do I apply for financial aid without having to count my parent's income?

Question

Is there a way I can apply for FAFSA without having to release the amounts my parents make? I live at home but my parents do not pay for any of my schooling, why should I have to include their income on my form?? Help please!

Answer 1

Unless you are over 24 years old, have a child or are married, you cannot claim yourself as an independent. You MUST put down your parent's financial income even if you have nothing to do with them.

Answer 2

I wish you all the luck in the world.  My son is set to go to a college which is 19 thousand a year.  We can't help and he does not qualify for anything. It is next to impossible to get him to be an independent at this point.  He is looking into ROTC programs, airforce reserve or possilbly active duty for a couple years to get a hold of the GI bill for schooling.  Once you enter the military in any fashion reserve or active you will be considered independant, same goes for getting married.

Answer 3

Trust me, I feel the same exact way that you feel. I tried that too, but the only way you can do that is by filing as an independent. You have to go on the FASFA website to check the qualifications needed for file as an independent. They make it almost impossible, but give it a try anyway.