FASA doesn't include Social Security benefits?

Paying for College
1

I’m trying to file my FAFSA with my mom’s 1040 in hand. As some background info, my mom is a Qualifying Widow(er). My dad died in 2013. In 2015 (the current FAFSA tax year) both my mom and I received untaxed Social Security benefits. Because they are untaxed, they are not included in our AGI or anywhere on the 1040. I cannot find anywhere on the FAFSA to report these benefits.

I am somewhat concerned, because in 2015 our Social Security made up over 70% of our income. Without it, my AGI is very very low (questionably so lol). Could any FAFSA experts out there help me out and confirm there isn’t anywhere on the FAFSA I am supposed to report Social Security benefits? Just as another side note, whether I report the benefits or not I am still far below the cut off for federal aid (Pell Grants, etc). But I am worried that colleges will have issues with my financial aid because my CSS profile won’t match my FAFSA (CSS does report Social Security benefits).

2

According to the FAFSA instructions, “untaxed Social Security benefits” are not to be reported. Discrepancies between what is reported on FAFSA and what is reported on Profile can be explained in the ES section of Profile.

3

Thanks! I’m still worried but managed to dredge up my actual Social Security statement records so at least I will have proof if anything comes up! For anyone else with this issue, it definitely looks like you aren’t supposed to report any on the FAFSA and on CSS you only report it if it’s addressed to someone in your household besides you (e.g your parent).

4

Rest assured that college financial aid offices have seen your situation before. You should not experience any issues from the mismatch.