<p>Hi.</p>
<p>I recently filled out the fafsa application and my EFC ended up being 0. Needless to say, my application was selected for "verification." That's fine and all, but I do have some weird circumstances surrounding my situation. I'm 27 years old and have been helping take care of my ill mother for the last 9 years. In other words, I haven't had a single job. I have no W2's, other tax forms of any kind to prove that I've had no real income over the last 9 years... My situation has changed over the last few weeks and I decided that an education should be the top priority right now. Life has been pretty tough, but I'm working on moving on. This certainly hasn't helped set my mind at ease!</p>
<p>I'm freaking out because I have no idea what to do from here. I guess my question is, has anyone here ever successfully gotten a Pell Grant without any tax forms and income whatsoever???</p>
<p>Thank you so much. Any help would be much appreciated!</p>
<p>Verification keeps folks on the straight & narrow … if no one was ever verified, people might feel free to lie. If you are selected for verification, you simply need to give the requested information. In your case, you will complete a student non tax filer statement. Since that form will have all 0’s, you should also submit a written, signed statement explaining your situation. The financial aid officer will need to know how your basic needs were met with no income. If any bills were in your name and paid by someone else, you will list the amounts paid on your behalf. If you were given a place to live & food in exchange for helping your mother, explain that. If you lived rent-free but will now have to pay for your rent, etc you should also explain that in the statement. Don’t worry … you absolutely can get a Pell grant with no income. That is why they exist.</p>
<p>P.S. If things have changed because your mother passed away, you have my condolences.</p>
<p>Thank you so much. You have no idea how relieved I am, having read your reply. The financial people at the school I plan on attending weren’t really much help at 4:30 PM on a Friday. Best they could do was tell me to call on Monday… Hah.</p>
<p>Thank you for the kind words, as well.</p>