<p>Those FAFSA guidelines are all I can go from?! That is ridiculous. What about being entirely self-supporting? Completely independent of parental financial assistance? Who would I talk to in FA department? The person I normally speak to is not being very responsive and it is frustrating to me. Who in specific should I contact?</p>
<p>I mean my family has no income other than what I bring in (Mom receives life insurance), but she has a lot of money in the bank and in assets and life insurance (and social security checks on my part -- I signed them over to her in exchange for a deal that she would help with education, but she went back on her word and I am kicking myself for this now). I do not think it is fair to be called a dependent because I pay for virtually everything myself, including food, gas, etc. I don't even technically LIVE at home -- I could totally just stay on the east coast.</p>
<p>There has to be a way to cut myself away from her... it's just such an unhealthy situation right now. I can't afford to continue arguing with her and getting screwed over because of her money. I'm just so angry over this -- it's been an ongoing battle for years and I'm so tired of it. I want to focus on SCHOOL and not deal with this superfluous stress.</p>