<p>The parents are guessing that they will get declined. The OP is seeking this route, so that after they are declined, he can get a larger Stafford. </p>
<p>This is a guess on my part, but I think the parents prefer to apply online and get rejected online, to prevent embarrassment of a “face to face” rejection.</p>
<p>They will have to follow whatever policy the school has, so OP needs to ask the school what the parents need to do to get their PLUS loan … or, if the school is like mine, the OP can find all the info needed on the website.</p>
<p>Also, to make clear, it is only a 2000 dollar loan I am looking for. They have absolutely shot credit, so they can’t really get a loan otherwise, and can’t afford to pay one if they could currently.</p>
<p>They situation should improve for next year, so getting me through this year is necessary first, and if I can get the 2K through an additional Stafford that would be ideal. I’m not talking about a 14K loan.</p>
<p>Well, it sounds like you’ll get to take out the additional Stafford, shortly after your parents get their loan declined. </p>
<p>It’s a good thing you only need $2k, but you might take a bit more, and set it aside for an unexpected school related expense. I know that right now, I’m having to shell out several hundred dollars to reserve my sons’ housing for next year.</p>
<p>Since you can take out more, I wouldn’t just take out the exact amount you need. I’m not saying that you should take out four thousand, but an extra $500-1000 might be needed at some point.</p>
<p>Stafford loans are paid direct to the school. You can’t have more total financial aid (loans/grants etc) than the COA of the school. If there is excess then that is disbursed to the student (for instance my daughter lives off campus so her direct charges are tuition and fees, once those are paid the school gives her the difference which she uses for rent, books etc)</p>
<p>OP - have you started the process yet? School is starting soon and you don’t want to find yourself in the situation of not being able to pay your tuition/fees etc.</p>
<p>You can always request an increase in the loan if you need it. I don’t suggest taking out more of an unsubsidized loan than you need. It’s a pretty simple process to increase your loan with DL.</p>