Can I still get state aid even though my parents get a lot of money from social security benefits?

Paying for College
1

<p>I got into Rutgers through EOF and I am so happy that I can actually afford to go there. However, my parents just filed their tax returns and the only difference from last year's tax returns is the amount of social security benefits my dad got for disability. I realized that that isn't asked in the FAFSA, but it is asked on the HESAA for state aid including the TAG Grant and EOF program. My parents got $32,000, and somehow I got $11,000. Our income is way below the poverty level, $15,000 for 3 family members. Rutgers sent me a financial aid estimate and because I still haven't changed my info from the HESAA (which was $0 of social security before), they estimated $10,000 for the TAG Grant. I really need that money. However, when I did the TAG estimate with the new numbers on the HESAA site, my TAG Award was $0. I am afraid to loose both my EOF Grant and my TAG Grant which is obviously a lot of money. My parents had to put most of the social security benefits into the mortgage last year which was $22,000. What should I do to appeal my case? I was thinking about sending them proof of the mortgage, but I don't know where to get the documents and my parents don't understand any of this. Also, there's the extra money in the social security benefits that didn't go toward the mortgage. Should I make an appointment with someone from the financial aid office at Rutgers? I have to dorm and I can't afford to go off to college for $20,000 a year. Please help. </p>

<p>Also, if it matters, my parents recently became foster parents. I don't think that's relevant to them, but I am no expert.</p>

2

<p>Yes. Go meet with people in the financial aid office at your university. Speak with the manager who is responsible for people in EOF. You need expert help with this.</p>

3

<p>You do need to go and talk to the financial aid folks. They are the only ones who can give you the correct answer!</p>

<p>Please don’t think I am being harsh here, but everyone has to pay housing costs…rent or a mortgage. Colleges, and the state do not provide need based aid so that folks can pay to own a house.</p>

<p>Your situation might be viewed favorably as this is disability income…but it IS income. It is not included on the FAFSA, but your state might include it.</p>

<p>The only way to know is to ask the Rutgers folks, or whomever administers this state grant program. Since you live in NJ, and it isn’t a huge state, I would suggest making an appointment to see someone IN PERSON. Make sure you take ALL documentation with you.</p>

4

<p>You need to talk to those in fin aid in NJ that are very familiar with those programs, as others here have said. If Social security money or other income is included in their criteria, then you are out of luck. It does not matter what the money was used for other than specific exceptions with these programs. Mortgages, back bills are nearly never considered. Emergency medical needs that are documented, as paid that year, that MIGHT, no certainty there even. </p>