I Need Help Filling out my FaFsa?

Question

I am starting school in September At Union County College In NJ. I just recently filled out my Fafsa. But I have a problem. I was told since i have a child that i have to automatically file as an independent. But i am living with my mother and she was going to claim me. But in order to get financial aid then i have to claim myself and she cant claim me. So since i was told that i have to automatically file as an idependent if i have a child i want to know if that is totally true. Also My mothers income would not allow me to recieve Financial Aid. But my mother is telling me that she will just pay out her pocket. So im confused??? some one advise me please.

Answer 1

i would check with someone else as far as eligibility. just because you have a child does not mean you are independent. however, if you are dependent, then you must claim your mother as support and her income counts. most states have grants available, so check into those.  

so either you are dependent and your mothers income counts or you are independent. just because you live with her does not mean your are dependent. most colleges have forms that she has to sign, check into that.

Answer 2

First off, tax filing status and dependency status regarding financial aid are two TOTALLY different things and have no bearing on each other at all.  EVER.  Also, where you live doesn't matter if you are dependent or independent.  Only what matters is how you answer the questions I've attached below.

With a child that you support you are considered "independent" no matter where you live. Again, no matter where you live or who claims you on her taxes.  In order for your mother to claim you on her taxes, she has to meet certain requirements regarding financially supporting you.  If she is paying for your health insurance among many other things, she might meet these requirements (but most moms are *snort* "kind" enough to let their kid and new grandkid go on welfare insurance assistance and DON'T pay the medical insurance - thus I doubt fully supporting them finanically - but still want to get the added benefits of your tax exemption).  

I would discourage your mother from claiming you and file your own tax return.  Your situation may be totally different, but again... its time to grow up.  Remember, again this is totally separate from fafsa and dependency status but you are mother now and need to learn to be independent and be in control of your life.

You have a child that you support, that means you can't put your moms info on your fafsa, depending on how much you earned last year, you will get up to 4,700 in federal Pell grant (free money) and maybe more if you apply before the deadlines.  This is likely far better than any tax write off your mother may get (again, it doesn't matter for the record).  This money would go to the school to pay for your tuition and fees and any extra would go to you.  Choose an inexpensive community college and you could stand to get a pretty good chunk of change.  The best scenario is to have your mom pay for it, and when your Pell comes in, you would get the full 4,700 issued to you (half in the fall and half in the spring).

I would also seek an outside opinion... call your schools fin aid office (without your mom sitting there) and explain your situation and see what they suggest.