I have been living with relatives for the past one and half years due to problems between my parents and I. My parents are still technically my parents and my aunt is considered a temporary guardian as we have not gone through the courts for this decision. On the FAFSA, it is required that you enter your parents’ information even if they do not intend to pay for your tuition. However, in my situation, I did not know what to do and hence I went to the FAFSA workshop at my school. One of the ladies who had been working in the financial aid department for a school helped me and instructed me to list myself as homeless or in danger of being homeless and submit it. The thing is, I’m not homeless. I did get kicked out of my house due to certain volatile issues, therefore moving in with a willing family member, but I am not homeless. She instructed me to submit it and I did because if the professional lady says so, it must be true. However, now, I don’t know what to do. I feel like I’m lying even if I don’t intend to. I can change my FAFSA information, but would colleges see this? If I do change it, what should I put instead?
I don’t believe you are homeless. You are living with willing relatives who are not threatening to put you out on the streets.
While this isn’t going to help you financial aid wise, it would be honest to correct this on your FAFSA. It was an honest mistake.
I do feel this woman misinformed you.
ETA…you will have to prove you are homeless or in jeopardy of being so. I don’t think you will be able to do this…right?
@kelsmom what do you think (I’m hoping Kelsmom sees this).
Every school I know requires documentation of homelessness. I do not believe your situation qualifies you as “homeless,” particularly since you do have a family member who provides housing for you. The thing is, some folks who work in financial aid are not actually the ones who are trained in things like homeless status - they may tell you something they think is correct, but when you file as homeless you may well find that you cannot do so.
Are you able to get your parents to complete your FAFSA? If not, perhaps there are extenuating circumstances that - if documented - may result in a dependency override. I never assume that all is rosy when students have to leave their parents’ home. Some kids have abusive homes.
If it’s just a matter of a kid and his parents not getting along, or a kid whose parents don’t want to pay for school, that is one thing. In that case, no dependency override would result. If there are deeper issues that led to the kid leaving home, that is something the student should discuss with an aid officer (not just someone who works at a desk in an aid office). If you want to pm me with the details, I will provide advice (I work in financial aid).