Why does one of my parents have to fill out the Fafsa form? I'm almost 21 & havn't lived with either for 4 yrs

Question

My parents are divorced. When i was 16 my mom and i lost our home. After that my boyfriend and i moved into an apartment together. I haven't been taken care of financially by either parent since then. I fell that it is ludicrous to ask my mother to put personal tax information on a form for something that has nothing to do with her. Any advice on this .. is there anything i can do? It just doesn't make since in today's society that i should have to do this.

Answer 1

Go to your school's financial aid office and let them know what your problem is. There is plenty of students out there that have been independent for many years, including students that are 30 or even 60 years old!

I'm sure there has to be a way of doing a fafsa form in a "independent" way.

Answer 2

If you aren't married and under 24 and don't have kids and don't have a bachelors degree and a few other things then yes, you will have to put your mom down on the fafsa.  If your mother is currently married, you will need step dads info as well.  Not much you can do about it... all students have to follow this federal regulation.

  It doesn't mean that she is going to have to pay or help you in any way.... or even if she is currently supporting you.  Doesn't make much sense.. but everyone has to follow the same standards.  Here is a good book about fin aid.

Answer 3

those are the rules, same for everyone.   if you want to try for an exception, go to your financial aid office at school but it is very hard.  use whichever parent makes the least amount of money and/or is single.  if your parents have remarried, the new spouse needs to provide their financial info also