<p>Before I turned 24, I used to include my parent's income and every time, I'd end up having to go through verification (long story). Finally, I hit 24.. don't need to! WOOT!</p>
<p>So then I go file my FAFSA, and the parent's income isn't required BUT now I'm hearing that you won't get considered for any other scholarships or grants if you don't. ***?! Is that true for Cal Grants too!? Why didn't anyone tell me that?! Is this true? </p>
<p>Has anyone had issues with grants/scholarships that way? Wouldn't the organizations in question ask for the specifics after the fact?</p>
<p>that’s the whole point. they considered me as independent even though I still live with her! there must be some mistake. I had my friends look over my fafsa and nothing seemed to be wrong</p>
<p>I haven’t heard this before, but you’ve definitely made me nervous, as I am 24 as well and this is the first year I did not include my parents information. Anyone know about this?</p>
<p>I’m independent (not 24, just with extenuating circumstances) and I get more aid than I did before, even though with my mom I had an EFC of zero. Not sure what changed. I still get the Cal grant as well. </p>
<p>However, it may be important to note that my CC considers me independent. According to fafsa I am not. I filed a waiver with my school to be considered an independent student which was approved. </p>
<p>I can’t imagine being 24 would hinder you in the school process.</p>
<p>I don’t think its the age she is asking about. When you’re an independent student you have the option to include your parents info, also, even though it won’t be used in the calculations of the EFC. OP is asking if there are repercussions for choosing not to include that information. I posted the question in the financial aid section, too, so hopefully someone will have an answer for us.</p>
<p>I guarantee there will be no issue not including your parents’ information if you are an independent student. I have never included parental information on FAFSA and I still receive significant amounts of aid. The only catch is that independent students have significantly lower income and asset ceilings than a dependent student or an independent student with dependents other than a spouse.</p>
<p>iZychr: You probably filled out one of the dependency questions wrong. Did you answer yes to any of the following questions?</p>
<p>I’ve been an independent for a few years now and never had a problem with leaving the parental information blank. That was at my CC and now at SDSU. I still got a crap ton of money!</p>
<p>That’s awesome I always hated that it took me so long to get around to going to Uni, that they bump 24 year olds to independent status (hey we didn’t make much to begin with, but that does make enough of a difference for me!) is AWESOME! It’s like some sweet thing that doesn’t make me feel so bad for waiting anymore. lol.</p>
Sounds like they do</p>