Independent 24?

<p>Fafsa says I'm an independent at 24. I moved back in with my parents so I can go back to school I am 24 now. Is it easier to get aid once your an independent and is it less or more, I'm currently not working. Since I'm living with them do I mention them when I fill out the forms or no.</p>

<p>You don’t need to mention that you are living with them. You just fill it out as independent. You’ll likely get more aid than if you were a dependent.</p>

<p>That depends on how much you make and how much they make. If you do pretty well for income your EFC may go up.</p>

<p>EDIT: Just saw you are out of work right now but it depends on your income the last year.</p>

<p>That’s not even getting into the fact that even having a very low EFC doesn’t necessarily mean really good aid. Most schools will just give you a Pell grant and a bunch of loans – that might cut it for you, especially if you commute, but it might not – you have to look at all those numbers yourself (or ask around on this thread).</p>

<p>My income is $0. I haven’t been working so I can finish my degree as soon as possible. Since I didn’t work last year and I’m living with my parents does that mean I don’t have to submit anything from me or them?</p>

<p>At 24, you are independent as far as FAFSA is concerned so you do not have to provide parent income and asset info. Living with them does not change your dependency status. However FAFSA does ask about support you are getting from elsewhere. With a 0 income you are obviously getting some support elsewhere, and the school may well ask about that. However as an independent student your income protection around $7700 for 2010-2011 (higher 2011-2012) so even showing the support from your parents should not create a high EFC.</p>