<p>I think I know the answer to this but I want to make sure I've got it straight. Son is currently a freshman at a top 20 LAC. He receives a merit scholarship but we did not qualify for financial aid for year one. Well, financial crisis hit us in September and although we are big savers, we certainly don't have as much as we used to. Also the value of our house is much lower. Hubby and I filled out the EFC estimator on the College Board and the EFC is still higher than the total cost to send son for sophomore year. Is there any reason to fill out the FAFSA? I called the school and asked if the FAFSA is needed to continue the merit scholarship and the answer was no. So, has anyone ever received financial aid when their EFC was higher than the total cost?</p>
<p>Submit anyways. Son can get Stafford loans.</p>
<p>Yeah, I’d fill it out.</p>
<p>Your financial situation could turn south (even more) and you’ll need to submit a special circumstances request, which would require the school to adjust the EFC and make you eligible for aid after FAFSA is filed.</p>