<p>^^^ Agree with happymom1.</p>
<p>aa9922 came here with a very specific question concerning FAFSA and gladly volunteered all information necessary to facilitate an accurate answer. The result? He was sliced and diced by contributors to this thread who seem to have rushed to judgment without even reading his posts!</p>
<p>The facts:</p>
<p>(1) aa9922 lost his job.</p>
<p>(2) aa9922 and his wife separated.</p>
<p>(3) aa9922’s only apparent job offer isn’t going to pay well.</p>
<p>It sounds like the answer to his question is that mom files the FAFSA and indicates that Dad is no longer a member of the household. As noted, the parents’ current separated status won’t be reflected on their most recent tax return, but it is, nonetheless, accurate.</p>
<p>The outcome would be different only if, as kelsmom suggested, aa9922 and his wife are separated not by choice, but solely for work opportunities, in which case they would be deemed still to be married, despite their less than ideal living situation.</p>
<p>One suggestion, though: FAFSA comes out on January 1, and some forms of aid are available on a first come - first served basis only . . . so I’d suggest completing the FAFSA as soon as possible after it becomes available. Don’t wait until February.</p>