If my family stopped renting and moved in with a family friend because we couldn’t afford anywhere to live would I check yes to being homeless on the FAFSA form? If I check yes, would I need to provide documentation even though we never filed anything?
You will need to obtain documentation. If you are still in high school, ask your guidance counselor for help. If you are in college, talk to your financial aid office.
While you and your family are in transitional housing because you lack a fixed space to live (or in your case living in a doubled up situation), you are not an unaccompanied homeless youth or an unaccompanied youth at risk of being homeless. You would answer no to this question. Your parent’s income and assets will still be needed for the FAFSA.
The question it is giving me does not specify whether I am unaccompanied or not. I am almost certain it will ask me that after I answer yes to the question solely focused on whether I am homeless or at risk of being homeless.
Seems to me that you are not homeless, as you have a place to live- and with your family. The question relates to you, to see if you are a dependent of your parents or not. “According to FAFSA guidelines, homeless means lacking fixed, regular and adequate housing.” It follows a federal definition and would apply if you were on your own, with no permanent housing.
Afer that, yes, documentation, per guidelines.
You can ask a fin aid officer.