Should I include my brother in household size?

Paying for College
1

Hi everyone, I’m about to file my FAFSA but I have a new dilemma. My older brother who turned 24 in August after graduating from college, recently finished his internship this past December, earning about $9,000.00. He is currently jobless and is still looking for a job. He lives with me and my parents. My dad our breadwinner made about $19,000.00 in 2014 which is quite low.

Now I’m wondering if I should include him in our household size? He is technically not a dependent on my parents’ taxes. He is going to file his own taxes, so I’m not sure if I should include him. My household size will drop to a 3, but again, my dad only made 19k. I’m just afraid if I include my brother, it would only bring hassle. I imagine the financial aid people might start asking for proof that my dad supported my brother etc.

Thank you very much!

2

There’s no need to include him. Your EFC will likely be zero anyway.

3

It doesn’t matter how/if your brother will be reported on your parents’ 2014 taxes. If you think your brother will be receiving more than half of his support from your parents from July 1 of this year through June 30 of next year, you should include him in the household size.

4

Include him if you can show over 1/2 his support is provided by your parents. But if your parents file form 1040A or if you qualify for free or reduced lunch or one of the other aid programs listed on fafsa and your parent’s AGI is under $24k you will qualify for the auto 0 EFC regardless of family size.