<p>I'm a California Community College student and going to transfer to a UC come fall 2012. I am currently 23 years old and live at home. On the UC admissions application I am saying I am a dependent, however come mid January I will be 24 years old... So when I file Fafsa by March 2nd I'll be technically an independent. Also, next February my girlfriend and I are going to be moving into her parents guest house and we are going to set up a legal renting situation with her parents (probably ridiculously cheap though ie: $50.00 a month). I worked 8 months out of this year, 2011 so I will have my own tax information. My girlfriend works part-time and makes enough that she's basically going to be supporting me during my last semester at the Junior College. </p>
<p>With being 24 years old and not living with or being supported by my parents will I be likely to get any grants to help me afford to go a UC? Any chance for the Gold and Blue opportunity grant? </p>
<p>Will being a dependent for the year 2011 hurt my chances at all of getting student aid for the academic school year of 2012-2013?</p>
<p>For the 2011-12 school year, you must have been born before January 1, 1988 to be considered independent (you will be independent for the 2012-13 school year if you were born before January 1, 1989). </p>
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<p>Keep in mind as an independent student, you will have less income protection because you will have more time until you reach retirement. In addition, any monies paid on your behalf, the financial support that the girl friend provides must be included on the FAFSA. I am not sure how the living situation will be counted (perhaps someone else will chime in) as your $50 rent could be construed as her parents taking care of you.</p>
<p>Ya I see your point. She only makes about 10k a year herself… Her and I both go to the same community college and both are transferring. With rent as cheap as $50… and with the overall low cost of a community college… even a part time job can keep you afloat… But ya… I wonder if anyone has insight on cheap rent being construed like that… (As you can see i’m trying to obtain a legitimate form of independence for possible financial aid benefits)</p>
<p>Keep in mind that if you are selected for verification, the school has every right to ask how you are being supported and you will have to supply the documentation. If you and GF are renting from parents, there will be the expectation of supplying a rental agreement or lease.</p>
<p>lol, ****. Well I’m just hoping I can get my t’s crossed and i’s dotted then!</p>
<p>So, what if we set up a legitimate lease and rental agreement, and I include the 2-3k my girlfriend has provided to me to keep me going… think I have chance at getting some notable financial aid?</p>
<p>What is your parentl’s financial situation? As pointed out above you will still be a dependent student next year as your 24th birthday is after 1/1.</p>
<p>Actually for the 2012-2013 school year i’ll be an independent.</p>
<p>I was born in 1988 and sybbie719 said:
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<p>If you’re still curious. My dad is the sole provider and makes about 150k annually. Unfortunately through bad investments we barely stay afloat. For school however, he still makes too much for me to be considered for any grants or desired financial aid. Main reason why I’m trying to establish my independence. I have the age on my side, I just need to know the other details.</p>
<p>When the colleges look at the FAFSA and are going to give financial aide do they even look at the individuals UC admissions application? Because my admission application will say dependent… but my FAFSA will say independent… any thoughts?</p>
<p>Nope didn’t change a bit, but I figured instead of mentioning that and getting the typical unwarranted response of “you’re too young, don’t do it!” or “If you’re doing this just for money then its never going to last” I’d just talk about my age instead.</p>