<p>Kids income is a much higher % than parents until the parents income hits a certain level. 50% of kids income over the protected amount goes to the EFC.</p>
<p>But if dad is very low income would she not qualify for the automatic 0 EFC? If his income is below $30k (2009-2010 - it was $20k last year) then, as long as he files a 1040a or 1040ez or meets one of the other criteria, she should qualify for the automatic 0 EFC. If she does then her income will not be taken into account at all.</p>