<p>D was accepted to a private college and received a nice FA package.
We sent the deposit in by May first based on this aid. Now we have to
send in a family information verification form. The thing with that is that
one of her brothers is now working out of state in a temporary job so
I don't think I can include him and I'm pretty sure this will change out FA package. If our EFC is increased I am not sure we will be able to afford the school any longer. D would be devastated if she couldn't attend. Under these circumstances, would we be able to get our deposit back? Does anyone have any experience with this? Your help is appreciated.</p>
<p>How old is the brother who is out of state? How long will the temporary job last? When did he start the job? Does the form you're filling out refer to a specific date as of which the family information is to be given? Prior to his starting the job, was he a full-time student or a member of your household for which you provided over half his support?</p>
<p>I think you only have to verify the information as of last year, since aid for 2008-2009 is based on 2007 income, and assets at the time of filing the FAFSA. If her brother's income doesn't count for 2007, it should make no difference whatsoever. And if you can still claim him as a dependent for 2008, his income won't matter in 2009-2010 either, since sibling income isn't reported at all.</p>
<p>Thanks 2blue and Chedva for responding. S is 24 (late bloomer) is no longer going to school, the work (started in March) may last 3 - 6 months or in the end may be permanent. We pay for his car and phone and he is living with relatives. I'm pretty sure they want current information as the form reads " List all famly member who live at your permanent address." and They only want college information if a family member will be attending in 08-09.<br>
I would totally leave him off the form but I think they will question why he was on when I filed all the FAFSA paperwork and 2007 Tax returns but is now not listed. Should I just send a brief explanation. I'm resigned to the fact it will most propbably increase our EFC but do we have any recourse since we accepted and paid a deposit based on the original package. What if we just can't afford the new amount? Thanks for listening, haha.</p>
<p>I think Chedva is right that the information is for the 2007 tax year, and would suggest e-mailing the school to verify that. So far as next year goes, I think you're probably right that you won't be able to claim your son. From what you posted it it sounds like he will earn over $3400 (this figure could change for 2008) and thus won't pass the "qualifying relative" test. The qualifying relative test for claiming a dependent is explained in IRS Pub. 401 found here: Publication</a> 501 (2007), Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information</p>
<p>Thanks again. I did e-mail the Financial Aid office re the situation and the response was to include him if we were providing 50% financial support. Since I feel we are currently doing that, I will include him. Like you said 2blue, he will not qualify as a dependent next year. Knowing that now, we will be more prepared for the change to our EFC. I just wouldn't have been prepared for it this year. Thanks again 2blue and Chedva, just putting it out there to someone is so helpful.</p>