I’m really frustrated about this issue and I can’t find any answers elsewhere so I have resorted to asking CC.
I am an eligible non citizen for Federal Aid (parolee for >1 year; awaiting permanent residence status), but I do not have a SSN. I went to the SSA near me, but they said I couldn’t obtain a SSN without a legal work permit (or something around those lines). Even though I am eligible to fill out the FAFSA, I can’t because I cannot obtain a SSN?? Some one please give me some answers on what to do ~X(
There are two separate issues here: the work permit and the FAFSA
You need to get the work permit paperwork sorted out so that you can get a job to help pay for college. As a parolee, you can work here. If the people at the Social Security Office can’t direct you to the right place, then the immigration lawyer or refugee agency that has been helping you with your parole status surely can. It looks like this might be the form you need: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765 Who knows how long your green card is going to be delayed. You need to be able to hold down a job while you’re waiting for the green card.
Contact the head of the financial aid offices of the colleges/universities on your application list, and ask what they recommend for students in parole status. They will be to tell you what to do. If the first person you communicate with can’t help you, work your way up the chain of command. You are not the first student to be in your situation. @kelsmom might have some ideas too.
Meanwhile, start filling out the paper version of the FAFSA. Sometimes students need to use those instead of the online version if they have complicated situations. https://fafsa.ed.gov/options.htm