FAFSA: Help! Please?

Question

I've scoured through the FAQ on the official FAFSA website, and I still have a question that needs answering. If anyone knows the answer, please help. Thank you for your time...

I am turning 24 in a few weeks. I am currently unemployed (I will have a job in the next 2 weeks). I've lived with my boyfriend and his parents for over 5 years. They pay their bills and I pay mine (credit cards and whatnot), I buy my own groceries, etc. My boyfriend is also currently unemployed. So, question is: How do I answer the questions about whether or not I am independent? Am I? Do I include MY parents' info. even though I don't get money from them? Do I include my boyfriend's parents' info because I am under their roof? Help!

Answer 1

As long as no one can claim you as a dependent you would file as a independent student.  His parents info doesnt matter, they are not your parents.  His info doesnt matter either b/c you are not married to him.  I just went through the same thing.  I live with my bf he pays the bills...i am unemployed... i file independent bc we have a child. i ended up having to fill out some more papers through the school verifying a couple things. but otherwise its no biggie.  your school can help you with this as well.

Answer 2

Okay. all of those other answers are wrong.  You are only considered independent if you can answer YES to any of these questions.

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/FOTWWebApp/fotw0...

It does not matter where you live, who claims you on thier taxes, or even if you really do support yourself.  From what you have said, it sounds like you are dependent and have to put your parents income down on your fafsa.  You do NOT put your boyfriends parents info.

Answer 3

It depends on how you file your taxes. If you file as an independent, you are an independent. If your boyfriend's parents don't claim you, don't put them down. As for your parents' information, it depends on the school. 24 tends to be the cut off. If you're applying to a grad school, sometimes just applying to grad school is enough to show independence. But I'm 23 and I still have to list my parents for my FAFSA for law school. They don't contribute anything. It's fine, because there is section where they ask how much your parents contribute. If they don't claim you, you should write "$0."

If you have any more questions you should contact your school's financial aid.