<p>I'm confused over the household number question on the FAFSA. Eight people live in our house, as my uncle, aunt, and two cousins have lived with us since my uncle had a stroke and was partially disabled and neither of them have a college education. My cousins are both college age, but they file their own taxes and get close to full aid (one goes to community, the other state). My aunt and uncle work odd jobs around the neighborhood (babysitting, cleaning, etc.) They are not claimed on my parents' taxes and file their own taxes, but I wondered whether they would count as being in our household since my parents provide most of the food and housing (they pay 200 each month, but this doesn't really cover the two rooms/half of our house they occupy). This is listed as "support" for the FAFSA, but I'm not sure whether they would count as being in our household since they are not listed on my parents' taxes. Any help would be welcome. Thanks.</p>
<p>The household number doesn't have to match the exemption number on the tax return. They're asking different slightly different questions. (The exemption question, #75 on FAFSA, should match the parent's tax return exemptions, though).</p>
<p>The household number question (#65) is used to determine the income protection allowance-- the higher number you put in, the more income is shielded from the formula (and the larger your potential aid package). Income protection allowance goes up about $3200 per person in the household. Family members who receive more than half their support from the parents can be included, even if they don't live in the house. BUT the income they provide should be income to your parents.</p>
<p>Details here (see #65):</p>