unemployed-son needs aid

Paying for College
1

<p>How can I get colleges to look beyond our FAFSA? I lost my job about 6 months ago. I have not been able to find anything yet. But FAFSA is based on last year's income and it looks like we have $. I checked the box for dislocated worker- but I have been told by FAFSA that question is new and most schools don't look at it. FAFSA and NYSHESC will not re-figure my aid based on the job loss. Why do they ask a question on unemployment if they won't consider changing aid when they get the answer?</p>

<p>The aid packages coming in all suggest loans. How can I get a parent loan on unemployment? And why would I want to take on that burden that i probably can't pay back? </p>

<p>I have sent the colleges copies of tax returns, special circumstance forms, my unemployment determination, last pay stubs and more. I also wrote a letter explaining the situation and asking for aid to be reconsidered. Any other ideas?</p>

<p>I know if we were below the $50,000 threshold, we would get more aid. With unemployment, we are between 55-60. But it doesn't seem to help because all the schools are looking at last year's income. What can I do to get schools to look at our actual income instead of what the FAFSA reports from last year?</p>

<p>I appreciate any input or suggestions. And if we are successful, I promist to report back on how we did it. I would hate for another family to have to go thru this.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>if you were below the 50K threshold, your assets would not be part of the EFC. </p>

<p>as was posted on the other board when you asked this question earlier, the only thing you can do is appeal to the school. the fafsa isn't going to ask you about the future. It is concerned about 2008. It is up to the school to make a determination, if they choose to. </p>

<p>You could be working again in 6 months. We have endlessly debated the Fafsa formula and it's 'fairness' from every possible angle. </p>

<p>Hopefully you have enough saved to pay for at least some of the first year EFC. It is meant to paid from savings, current income, future income and loans when necessary. </p>

<p>if you are turned down for a Plus loan, your child can get additional unsubsidized stafford loans.</p>

3

<p>I have been out of work for 6 months. How long do I have to be unemployed for schools to consider it?</p>

4

<p>it is up to EACH school. There is no way we can answer that question.</p>