<p>I am a third year college student. For the first two years, I paid cash for my tuition. But I am currently out of work, so I filed a FAFSA so I could take out a student loan. Here's my problem. I filed my 2013 taxes in February, and filed a form 1040 as single. I got married in March. I got laid off in April, and filed my FAFSA in May. When completing my FAFSA, it asked for my status on my 2013 taxes (single) and my status at time of filing FAFSA (married). I received an email saying that there must be an error on my FAFSA, and my eligibility could not be determined. I called the financial aid office, and was told that there was nothing that could be done, and I could not receive any aid. What can I do?</p>
<p>As you were married at the time of filing FAFSA, you will have to report both your and your spouse’s income and assets. Call the FAFSA help line to ask how to do this. and perhaps try emailing your financial aid office. Sounds like you got some one who has no clue what they are talking about. Emailing will hopefully get you to an actual financial aid officer.</p>
<p>When you reported your income, did you include your spouse’s 2013 income? If not, you will need to update your FAFSA. Was your FAFSA selected for verification? If not, make the update yourself. Add together your income and your spouse’s, and add together for other income questions (like taxes paid). If you were not selected for verification before, there is a chance the change might end up with you being selected (you will see a * next to your Expected Family Contribution when you finish). If you are selected, be prepared for what the school will request of you. They will ask you to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, but you can’t do that due to filing status. Instead, go to <a href=“Get Transcript | Internal Revenue Service”>http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript</a> - both you and your spouse need to request a copy of your transcript (you can download and print - you don’t have to wait). Then complete any other forms they may ask you to complete. </p>
<p>The person who told you there is nothing that can be done may not have understood your situation. I am confident you will work this out!</p>
<p>Keep at it. You aren’t suddenly ineligible for a loan because you got married. They need to find someone with more training. You can try contacting FAFSA directly perhaps if it will help.</p>