fafsa: two mothers

<p>I have two moms. we all live together as a family. Any thoughts on how it should be handled on fafsa?</p>

<p>I have no idea on this one but am interested to know how it works out for you! Wonder if this situation might cause some rethinking in Washington about "non-traditional" families.</p>

<p>I bet that what matters to fafsa is how your moms file income tax with the IRS.</p>

<p>well, they have to file tax returns as individuals, even though they are both legally my mothers (one biological, the other thru second-parent adoption). We explained this on the CSS and said they should be treated as married for that form. But it's a hassle on some things. My one mom has to fill in her info as "Father" because sometimes there is no other choice, and then she explains it in a note. I wish all the forms just had "Parent 1" & "Parent 2."</p>

<p>my mom called fafsa & asked what to do. She was put on hold while it was discussed. Then someone got on and told her to include only the "biological mother's" info.</p>

<p>That's actually really good, b/c it will make your income look lower w/ just one parent and you'll get more aid. The crooked, biased system worked in your favor! haha I love it
And you're right, they really should have "Parent 1" and "Parent 2".</p>

<p>No, all family income has to be calculated. You even have to tell them what siblings make. He/She won't get any more aid than anyone else.</p>

<p>If my daughter had applied to a school that only required the fafsa, it would have been advantageous, since only half the income needs to be reported on fafsa in our situation. However, she got in ED at Swarthmore, and we, of course, reported both incomes on the CSS for Swat and on their financial supplement. I will send Swat a note as to why only one parental income is reported on fafsa. But they know our situation and will probably figure it out anyway. Can't be the first time, right? or can it? fyi, I was very nervous about dd applying early vis a vis fin aid, but Swat was very generous.</p>