The question on FAFSA also asks about intent to file. If he likes to file several years at once, the answer on FAFSA will be that he intends to file and thus the non-filer letter will not work.
Again, it will be easier to get the most FA by filing (you and him) yearly. If your FAFSA cannot be verified on time, you may miss out on SEOG, work study, and school grants.
@nanaoli , I just want to assure you that financial aid folks see situations like yours on a regular basis. It is difficult for those who have not reviewed thousands of students’ financial aid info to understand just how many poor folks there are out there, and to realize that they absolutely are surviving on almost no income (sometimes on no income …). The purpose of higher education is to lift people up and give them a chance to move to a different place in their lives. I am happy that you are working hard to understand how financial aid works.
The bottom line is that you can receive financial aid even if your dad doesn’t file a tax return. If you are selected for verification, you will be asked to provide verification of non-filing, proof of income and certain documents. If your father was supposed to file but didn’t, that is an issue … but if he didn’t “have” to file, he does not have to do so for you to be eligible for aid. If you have questions, please feel free to message me.
@nanaoli, I agree with Kelsmom that you’re doing a great job. She works in college financial aid, so please send her a message to ask about anything you don’t understand. Good luck.