Grant and tax filing dependent status

[back2skool]

<p>I am 21 years old and in undergrad. I applied for Grants and claim independent . I do not live my parent. my parent claimed me as his dependent for income tax return. Do Financial Aid knows and Will they reject my application for next year grant and loan? thanks DD</p>

[Gardna]

<p>Are you talking about FAFSA? Dependent on taxes has nothing to do with the FAFSA.</p>

<p>Basically, to be independent on the FAFSA, you have to meet one of these criteria:</p>

<p>

* Be 24 years of age or older by December 31 of the award year;
* Be an orphan (both parents deceased), ward of the court, or was a ward of the court until the age of 18;
* Be a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States;
* Be a graduate or professional student;
* Be a married individual;
* Have legal dependents other than a spouse;
* Be a student for whom a financial aid administrator makes a documented determination of independence by reason of other unusual circumstances.

</p>

[sk8rmom]

<p>It’s unlikely that you meet the FAFSA definition of an independent student. Generally, you must be 24, or married. It has nothing to do with IRS dependency rules…but I’d guess that FA will definitely catch it and you will have to add your parent’s income/asset info to your FAFSA. I would amend it immediately so they can calculate an actual award for you. Here’s a link to the FAFSA rules…it’s in the first few pages:</p>

<p><a href=“http://ifap.ed.gov/efcformulaguide/attachments/111609EFCFormulaGuide20102011.pdf[/url]”>http://ifap.ed.gov/efcformulaguide/attachments/111609EFCFormulaGuide20102011.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

[back2skool]

<p>Are Pell grant and Cal grant under FAFSA? Thanks</p>

[thumper1]

<p>Pell is!..</p>

[sk8rmom]

<p>Definitely under FAFSA rules…you need a correct EFC to get the correct award.</p>

[swimcatsmom]

<p>Yes Calgrant and Pell are based on your FAFSA information.</p>

<p>It is unlikely you are independent for FAFSA. You have to be either 24 or meet one of the other criteria. Not living with your parents does not make you independent. Not being claimed on your parents taxes does not make you independent.</p>

[back2skool]

<p>Someone said I have to be 24 or older to be qualified for FAFSA. How come I have been receive Pell Grant with independent status for 2 years ? thanks</p>

[sk8rmom]

<p>Do you meet one of the other qualifcations? You don’t have to be 24 if you do! Have you been verified by your school since you’ve been claiming this status? If you don’t meet the criteria and just haven’t been verified, it may have just slipped by. But I’m not sure what happens if you file that way and suddenly have to support your FAFSA statements with documents…could not be good.</p>