<p>Hi...I was wondering what questions are asked about my earnings if I am 17 years old and applying for a FAFSA? I worked part-time in 2006. What will I need? My parents are divorced and I live with my dad who draws SS disability. </p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>All income should be reported, especially if you received a W2. However, FAFSA only looks at the income of the custodial parent (here, your father). And a key trigger with FAFSA will be your father's AGI (adjusted gross income) as reported on a federal tax return. If your father's AGI is less than 20K and he files a short tax form (1040A or 1040EZ), or doesnt file), FAFSA will ignore all other reported FAFSA data including any income you report. This is called the automatic zero. If your father's SS disability is his sole source of income you will receive an EFC of zero. You should get fed aid. Keep in mind the a school's offer is typically a combo of fed and the school's own money. FAFSA is primarily an application for fed aid (pell grants, stafford loan, work study, etc). Although schools use the FAFSA EFC when it comes handing out the school's own money, they are not so rigidly bound by fed guidelines and have discretion.</p>
<p>One other thought- since you are only 17, you are probably receiving SS benefits as well. Although for federal tax purposes, the SS money you receive is under your SS number, for FAFSA purposes, this money is considered income to your dad and would be reported on FAFSA parent's schedule A. Dont panic yourself for fed tax purposes, a single person has to earn over 25K from sources other than SS for any SS benefits to be taxable.</p>