FAFSA filing without tax information?

Paying for College
1

As the title suggests, I am in a tough situation. I am not trying to debate the morality of this, but both parents are undocumented and have jobs that get paid under the table. No W2s or any record of income. Is there anything I can do to get financial aid? We demonstrate extreme financial need but obviously can’t prove it. I havent even begun to fill out FAFSA because I don’t even know what to do and most counselors at my school are not helpful. Help would be much appreciated.

The university I would hopefully be attending (NU) meets 100% of demonstrated need and, with no way to prove this via FAFSA or CSS, I just feel frustrated that the neglect on my parents part will prevent me from going to my dream school.

I apologize if this topic has already been discussed. Just don’t know where to turn.

2

Most people I know who are undocumented file their taxes each year using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Your parents could do that. Then they would have the records they need for the FAFSA.

3

Your parents need to file 2016 taxes for money they earned that year. Period.

4

But for the immediate problem, you can complete the FAFSA. You complete all sections and manually fill in the amount your parents did make as best you/they can. They will not have SSN so need to print off the forms, sign them, and submit them in hard copy. You cannot file electronically. Use 000-00-0000 for their SSNs.

They may need to file taxes if their incomes are large enough. Work with the financial aid office at NU if you need help.