What type of financial aid for g*y marriage?

Question

My partner and I just got married, i am starting school next year, he is in school now, and i was just wondering how exactly the federal financial aid was going to work out. We are both residents of California, and we understand that it no longer being dependent on out parents, we're both under 24. I have called a few of the schools around me, including the university in my town, but no one has been able to give me an answer, not even the head financial directors, i have searched everywhere high and low and i cant figure anything out, any information would be amazing, thanks.

Answer 1

Wow, this is a GREAT question and I have no idea.  

I would suggest calling the Department of Education's helpline at 1-800-4FEDAID and ask them directly.

Good luck.  I'd love to know what they tell you!!

Answer 2

I've encountered people with this issue before, and unfortunately, I don't have great news for you.  The deal is that even though California allows g*y marriage, the federal government doesn't recognize it.  Because of this, you will still be considered an unmarried dependent on your FAFSA and only be eligible for dependent student amounts of funding for federal programs, such as the Stafford Loan.

However, I understand that schools have a small amount of discretion in this matter.  This means that if you go in to talk to your financial aid officer and convince him or her that you are self-supporting, or convince them to consider you as married, they may be able to help you access programs as an independent student.  You say that staff hasn't been helpful, but they really should know what they're doing.  Just tell them straight out that you want to be considered an independent and ask what it will take to get you there.  In my state, financial aid staff are very reluctant to do this.  With the laws in California, you may be in a better situation.  It's worth a shot.