FAFSA Treatment of Disability Income

Paying for College
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<p>My relative had a question that I'm passing to to the experts here, since I've done a search and can't find where, if ever, it's been answered before. In a nutshell: one child, just entering college this year. One parent, whose sole income, though substantial, is from SSDS (Social Security Disability), of about $2000, and non-taxable monthly disability insurance payments of about $7000. If it's relevant, there are no assets, e.g. investments or home ownership. Because all of the income is non-taxable, there is no requirement that income tax returns be filed. The schools are FAFSA only. Intuitively, my answer is that the only financial aid will be in the form of loans, inasmuch as that's a lot of income, but I can't find an appropriate reference to back that up. However, I've read through the threads here that there are "automatic zeros," or something like that, which, on it's face looks like it should apply because they qualify for 1040-A or 1040-EZ filing, assuming tax returns are required at all. If anyone could point me in the right direction, we'd appreciate it. Thanks.</p>

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<p>Automatic 0 requires an AGI of below $30,000.</p>

<p>If none of the disability income is taxable then it seems likely they will qualify as the AGI will be below $30k</p>

<p>Here is the description from the EFC formula </p>

<p><a href=“http://www.ifap.ed.gov/efcformulaguide/attachments/111408EFCFormulaGuide0910.pdf[/url]”>http://www.ifap.ed.gov/efcformulaguide/attachments/111408EFCFormulaGuide0910.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>Thanks for the info and link. I’ll pass it on.</p>