My parents won't fill out the FAFSA, now what?

Question

I want to go back to school, and I'm tired of waiting. FAFSA won't do anything, because my parents REFUSE to fill it out.

What choices am I left with in order to pay for school?

Answer 1

Withdrawing was a bad decision.  Now they have a debt, and you have no credits to count for anything.  Talk with your folks and be honest with them!!  Was it because you didn't want them in debt or because you were having a good time doing something else?

Maybe if you own up to and admit any mistakes (show a little insight and self awareness here) they will change their mind.

Answer 2

There's nothing you can do, until you become independent in the eyes of our government.  I know it's no fun right now, because you are paying taxes and living independently.  Unfortunately, the FAFSA doesn't see it that way.

Other ways you can become independent: join the military, get married, have a baby. I wouldn't recommend the last two unless you're absolutely ready for them, and even then, becoming a parent makes it VERY difficult to go to school.

Your parents might not be filling it out simply because they know you won't qualify for anything except Stafford loans, and might not want you to have to put yourself into a lot of debt at such a young age.

Good luck to you.

Answer 3

How sad that they won't help you. Don't feel bad, my parents wouldn't cosign for me to go back to school. I ended up choosing a cheaper school going online and didn't have to pay anything out of pocket. Scholarships are another waiting game, I can't believe that fafsa won't recognize your independant status!

Answer 4

***  YOUR ANSWER IS HERE  ***

FILL IT OUT YOURSELF, you do not need them.  if you are at the age where it ask for their information, leave it blank.

if they write you a letter asking you to send it in, simply tell them that your parent refused to write anything.  What your parent do not realize is THAT THEY SAVE MONEY ON THEIR TAXES IF THEY DO, it is called family contribution.   A TAX WRITE OFF BECAUSE IT WAS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION, EVEN IF THEY GIVE YOU NOTHING.

EMAIL ME IF YOU NEED MORE INFO

Answer 5

My question to you is why do they refuse?  Do they understand that providing this information for the FAFSA does NOT obligate them to pay for school?  Is that their concern?

Your choices are pretty slim as completing the FAFSA opens the door for you to apply for the Stafford student loan, work study, etc.

Do not try to 'estimate' their information as it will be verified through the IRS.....you'll get selected for verification if the numbers don't match and if you 'signed' the FAFSA without their knowledge.....well, that's considered fraud.

It's doubtful that you would be granted a professional judgment for a dependency override because it doesn't sound like you're going to meet the criteria.....only a director of financial aid at the school you wish to attend can make that decision.........however, you are in contact with your parents so just because your parents are being obstinate will not get you a PJ.  Sorry.

Your choices are basically paying cash or getting someone to co-sign an alternative education loan for you.

Good Luck.

Answer 6

What?  Why won't they fill it out?  What is there reasoning for it?  It's soooo easy to fill out the FAFSA form, it can be done online super fast!  Anyways...you do have some options that might be better for you in the long run...

Do you live at home?  If you don't, that will help you in becoming an "independent student".  This is important because then the government will only go by your income, not your parents.  Presumably, you don't make too much money (being a student) so that would allow you to receive much more in the way of grants and loans.  

Do your parents claim you on their tax return?  If so, you're pretty much out of luck until after the age of 24...however, there are applications you can make to your school to help you declare your independence before that time, but it's not easy.  If they are still claiming you, then you really need to talk with them about why they won't help you...if you are supporting yourself, they can have no claim over you and for your betterment should NOT be claiming you.  Point this out to them...

It sounds like they make enough money, however, that you might not qualify for much aid with them on the FAFSA - I truly think your best bet is to try and become classified as independent.  

The website below, you should be able to use the tools available to see what you might qualify for.  Going to the FAFSA website with your parents might show them that it's super easy to fill out and really takes no time at all.  At the link below, click on "Determine Your Dependency Status" in step one for a calculator to help you.

I wish you lots of luck - if you have any other questions, I'd be more than happy to help you out.

Answer 7

Student loans?

Work Study?

Scholarships?

Have you been supporting yourself or do your parents support you?  If you support yourself...fill out the form yourself.  Or guestimate their income...make sure you put on the form that you are estimating.

I'm guessing there is more to this tale...did you drop out previously?

Answer 8

Move out! Once you move out and claim yourself on your own taxes, it shouldn't matter. Or fill it out for them.