CSS Profile.... Untaxed Social Security Benefits? PLS help!!

<p>Hi guys, I've been lurking for a while but finally decided to create an account :p.</p>

<p>I was wondering, for the question: "Enter the untaxed social security benefits your parents received or expect to receive for all family members except you, the student, in 2011." on the CSS Profile...</p>

<p>If my mom received $14,830 in untaxed social security benefits, and my brother (the only other family member) received $16,128 in untaxed social security benefits...</p>

<p>Would I put down $14,830 + $16,128 = $30958, for the answer to the above question?</p>

<p>Even though on my mom's official tax return it only shows that we received $14,830 in untaxed social security benefits?</p>

<p>Sorry if this is confusing, but I would GREATLY appreciate any help. Please! =] Thanks!</p>

<p>Pretty pretty please help me out, anyone? Pretty please?</p>

<p>Check through the FAFSA Frequently Asked Questions on this one. I think they do have this addressed. </p>

<p>You can also email FAFSA questions directly and they usually respond very quickly. </p>

<p>How is it that your brother receives that much benefit? Usually benefits are half of the parents (if the brother is under age 18). If your brother is older than 18, he may be considered to be his own “household” – this is a question to directly ask the FAFSA folks as I am no expert – but your brother’s age may make a big difference in what is included. It is worth asking about.</p>

<p>Thanks so much for the help! However, I was referring to the CSS Profile.</p>

<p>My mom said my brother receives a social security check every month, totaling up to $16,128. That is, until he turns 18 (he is 14 now). Perhaps she is wrong?</p>

<p>Can anyone else also offer their opinions on this matter, please?</p>

<p>I would check with your mother or brother, he should receive a SSA-1099 that would give the correct amount. Our situation is since I am on SS , and my D is under 19 and in secondary school, we receive a small stipend from SS, known as Child Dependent Social Security. We just finished FAFSA, and CSS. Since CSS does not specifically ask for SS for the child, I havent indicated it. They will know from the copies of federal taxes, W2’s, SSA 1099’s, etc… that will be submitted. I would add your brother’s SS , I am sure that the college would consider the circumstances. Remember that SS is actually for day to day expenditures, and your mother has to justify once a year the stipend as far as % of room and board, etc…</p>

<p>When you or any of your siblings turn age 18, you stop receiving your social security disability benefits. Your younger brother would then receive your and your fellow older siblings former amounts on top of his amount until he turns 18. Basically your parents do not lose any social security disability amounts given for children until the last one is out of the nest. This may explain why his amount is currently so much.</p>

<p>I have researched this a little, and I believe you do include both your mother’s and your brother’s untaxed amounts ($30,958 total). Remember for your mother, this is the UNtaxed amount; so don’t duplicate what she may have included in taxable income.</p>

<p>The amount that goes on your tax return is used to determine if any portion of it is taxable - your brother’s benefits cannot be taxable on your mother’s tax return, so they are not listed. Your mother’s benefits could be taxable if her total income is high enough. </p>

<p>Your brother’s benefits could become taxable if HE works, and earns enough to make them taxable.</p>