I am considered an independent student on the FAFSA; however, I received financial assistance from my parents in 2014. Do I still need to input my parents’ financial information in the parent section, or should I put the amount of money I received from them in the “money received or payed on your behalf” area in Student Finances?
For sure an independent student doesn’t put parent financials, even if they give you some assistance. This of course is using the FAFSA definition of independent student.
I’m pretty sure money given to the student is reported as untaxed income on FAFSA, please check back for other people with more experience to be sure.
@BrownParent thank you. I will be checking back later in case anyone else has any information. I was only wondering because I figured colleges would ask how I was able to support my household with my 2014 income alone and in that case I could provide parent information as I received aid from them.
Just to confirm, you are over 24, married, ward of court, military or one of the situation where you are allowed to file as an independent, right?
@BrownParent Thankfully, yes. If I did not qualify as an independent under the FAFSA guidelines I would be submitting dependency overrides to university FA offices because I have a pretty unique situation
Some people don’t understand that Independent is not just living one’s own, so as long as you know the rule then fine. I just noticed your QB post and you said you were supporting 7 people.
I’m sure there is a better and more official citation for you but so far I just found this:
“Cash support to the student must be reported as untaxed income on the Fafsa.”
http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/16/guidance-office-fafsa-3/?_r=0