Seriously, I need financial advice...

Paying for College
1

Since my mother cannot work due to her condition, multiple sclerosis and back arthritis, she is not required to file taxes, however, this becomes a problem when coupled with her being a single parent. She receives about $23K to $24k a year and receives about $12K of child support a year (just me and my sister). However, every colleges I have spoken to says our family have met unsatisfied requirements, yet we’ve sent these schools everything they have asked out. Trust me, I truly need advice. Thank you in advance,

PS: Please leave ADVICE, not CRITICISM. Everyone has made mistakes before, we are human.

2

What are the colleges saying you haven’t sent them? They are usually very specific!

3

They have asked for verification forms, in which I sent them through the mail well before the priority deadline.

4

Did you make copies of what you sent? Can you send it…again?

What exactly did the college request in your verification? Usually it is specific information…not just a “verification form”.

You say your mom is not employed and does not need to file taxes. Did she complete a non-filers statement and send it to the schools?

5

Some schools don’t respond to emails very consistently. I’d call them and speak to someone about your situation.

6

Just because she doesn’t have to file due to low income doesn’t mean she is necessarily prohibited from filing so that you have a tax return for financial aid. It would be a simple return. See if an accountant would help pro bono given her MS. Bad thing is crunch time for accountants right now. Not sure if this is necessary but it’s an option to explore.

7

Good suggestion ^^^ Check at the public library near you for the contact information for organizations in your area that do volunteer tax work for low income families.

8

Did they ask for verification of her income? Child support?

If your mom made under $25,000 and could file a 1040A or didn’t have to file a tax return, or if your family qualified for means tested federal benefit like free/reduced lunch then the EFC should be auto zero and child support amount would not be figured in.

I agree with others, try and call the FA office and ask to speak with someone who can tell you what else is needed.

9

No one who is not required to file a tax return has to do so in order to get financial aid. However, when there is no tax return, a student who is selected for verification will need to submit alternative documentation of income (it may be as simple as submitting a signed statement saying that you are not required to file - but some schools have forms they want completed, etc). Any time you are concerned about your outstanding financial aid requirements, you should call the school to ask.

10

Did your school require a CSS Profile or just the FAFSA? If the Profile too, are they asking for info about your noncustodial parent?