<p>calmom -- the reason I cautioned lgriffin on checking with his mom is that I know for certain at least two states that are cross-checking welfare applications with FAFSA applications (Kentucky and Colorado) and several more, I just don't know the specific states. I was warned about this when I applied (I filed my info correctly, but others had taken action similiar to that of the OP's mother).</p>
<p>lgriffin -- this is something that definitely needs to be discussed with both your parents and settled. You have a few months to work it out before you need to file the FAFSA, so perhaps your mother can stop accepting aid and amend her application? I will tell you that the information on the FAFSA needs to be accurate or it will trigger some action, also. For instance, I know someone who reported that their parents were separated so that they only had to report their mother's low income, but information sent with the student's school record's indicate that both parents lived together. the student was asked for information to verify that the father lived outside the family home (they wanted a signed lease or mortgage and three months of utility bills dated back to when the student claimed on the FAFSA that they were separated.) He couldn't provide the verification (because it wasn't true) and the student ended up suspended/banned/etc (I don't know what it is officially called) from receiving federal financial aid for 5-7 years.</p>