So a person just can't get a Pell Grant if they no longer have contact with their parents?

Question

What if I don't know their socials and income and how much they paid in taxes? I am an adult and have chosen not to have contact with my parents anymore. I have been independent for years. How do I go about with this application if I don't have this information?

Answer 1

No you will not be considered independent if you are under 24 before the school year starts, not in the military, or your parents aren't deceased. I was in the same situation, luckily i am 24 this year. Without their information you can not get any grants or federal aid. At least according to University of Houston.

Our education system and student funding sucks! They also dont care if you have a mortgage to pay, a car note and food and gas to buy along with your crappy income.

I had to only go half time and save up every penny i could to pay out of pocket. But i wish you luck!  

Answer 2

If you are 24 years old or have dependents, then you don't even have to answer those questions.  BUT if you are 18 or older but under 24 and do not have any dependents, then you are SOL for almost all federal financial aid.  You can avoid the requirement for parental information and signature if at least ONE of the following is true:

1) You are married

2) You have dependents

3) You are currently serving on actrive duty with the military

4) You are a military veteran

5) BOTH of your parents deceased, OR you are (or were you until age 18) a ward or dependent of the court

Answer 3

If you are turning 24 during the school year you are applying for, or if you are already older than that, you can apply without your parents' information.

If you are younger than that, they will need your parent's information to process it. I went through a similar situation where I was independent but since I was under 24, they wouldn't process it for me, and I wasn't able to get any grants.

Unfortunately, unless you were a ward of the state or orphaned, or married, they still expect you to get in contact with them and get the info. even if they provide you with no financial support whatsoever.

Answer 4

You want have to answer any questions about your parents income if you don't want to or basically if you do not live with them. You will be considered like you stated independent.