Hello, I have a question whether I can still update FAFSA & ultimately my financial aid from the colleges even at this point. As of now I have 0 financial aid because together my parents are in that sweet spot of making just enough so that EFC = COA so we are expected to contribute the entire cost of attendance (~$30,000). After discussing our financial situation, we are not even sure if we can come up with the additional $22,000+ (because the max loan I can take out is $7,500; any more would have to be co-signed with parents).
I’ll give some context as to what’s happening behind the scenes: my parents have been living separately but are technically legally married. They are on the verge of divorce/separation but have been putting it off for emotional reasons I guess; they want to wait til my younger sibling and I are independent/out of the house before leaving each other. After discussing it, we’ve all decided that it would have been a smarter move for them to just legally separate now rather than later so that I’d only have to report one parent [and my sibling can do the same later on], since they are going to separate anyways but like I said, they’re just waiting.
My question is, can I still make a change to the FAFSA to reflect that for 15-16, or not? I’m thinking the answer is going to be no because we’re supposed to use 2014 tax returns, and in 2014 they were still married (but filing separately). I just need second opinions on what to do, or if I can do that^ (but it might just be wishful thinking).
If the answer to the above is yes, what would be the process of doing so? I first update FAFSA (since you can update it til some time in summer right?), then call the school in question to update my aid?
If current finances are vastly different from the financial situation in the past tax year, then you need to file an adjustment form with the financial aid office - at least at UCLA. As Luckie pointed out, you can’t change the fafsa for that reason because if they were married in 2014 then that’s just what it is.
For example let’s say your parents made $150k in 2014, so you got no FA. But let’s say in March they both lost their jobs and their income is now 0. The fafsa reflects 2014 and there’s no changing that, but filling out an adjustment form takes into account the situation based on what has happened in the current calendar year. There’s no guarantees but it can’t hurt your situation to try.
I see, I’ll definitely call financial aid people and see if there’s anything I can do too. Won’t hurt to ask around the actual peeps themselves I guess. Thanks for your help!
@Bearly you should post your question in the financial aid thread. There’re many people that have same situations can answer your question. I just read one similar case this morning but can’t remember the name of the thread .
In case you couldn’t found it, I’ll summarize the situation. Basically the op’s parents are unofficially separated so he chose “separated” for the question about parent on fafsa. Now either 2 things will happen: 1. Fafsa let it pass and the school will adjust your package or 2. School fa office will contact you to verify your parent status. However, since the op didn’t have document to proof for the separation but the parents technically live apart, his schools allow him to provide paper proving that proofs they live separately. Those can be billing, address, the letter from doctor that shows you guys are separated.
You make corrections to fafsa to have your fa package change. Bc your parents tax is “married filling jointly”, the school fa office will definitely contact you for proofs. Then you can do same thing like that guy did. However, before you change on fafsa, you should contact them first if they would accept such proofs and if you can appeal for your fa. I know UCLA will let you apple your fa offer the fa officer told me if student can always appeal your fa package if something happens out of circumstances. I’m not sure about cal though but I think it’ll be the same as UCLA.
wow @bizmlover thanks for your help! I actually did post in the other forum once luckie provided the link and have been getting help there, but I appreciate your advice too.
That’s interesting, darn I should have put separately in the first place even if they weren’t legally separated (but are living separately). With that being said I’ll definitely contact the campuses/financial aid and try to get a more concrete answer. If anything, this perhaps could be the one deciding factor for Berkeley/UCLA choice depending on how this goes…we’ll see…Thanks again!!
@Bearly sure you’re welcome I didn’t read your post correctly but the situation will be easier if your parents filled out tax separately. The fa admission will look at the indicator or separation in most case. If you’re luckily they won’t verify your input, but they do in some cases. If when you submitted your fafsa (before the deadline)you put your parents’ tax as “will file”’ and l corrected it later w/t linking from irs (after deadline), this chance they’re not going to check on you is even higher. Even nothing can be done this year, save it for nxt year. I think as long as you have enough evidences that parent are separate, both school will be more lenient on your case. Good luck with your appeal and your choice
I didn’t read your post correctly but the situation will be easier if your parents filled out tax separately. The fa admission will look at the indicator or separation in most case. If you’re luckily they won’t verify your input, but they do in some cases. If when you submitted your fafsa (before the deadline)you put your parents’ tax as “will file”’ and l corrected it later w/t linking from irs (after deadline), this chance they’re not going to check on you is even higher. Even nothing can be done this year, save it for nxt year. I think as long as you have enough evidences that parent are separate, both school will be more lenient on your case. Good luck with your appeal and your choice