<p>swimcatsmom, in order to qualify for the simplified needs test, would I have to file the 1040EZ or is it enought to have an adjusted gross income is below $50k?</p>
<p>It is not enough to just have an AGI below $50,000. You have to have the income below $50,000 and meet one of the other criteria. Those are (for the 2009-2010 school year): eligible to file 1040a or 1040ez, or Anyone included in the parents’ household size (as defined on the FAFSA) received benefits during 2007 or 2008 from any of the designated means-tested Federal benefit programs, or the parents are not required to file any income tax return, the student’s parent is a dislocated worker.</p>
<p>What are “designated means-tested Federal benefit programs”? I am trying to do a search, but maybe you can clarify a little? My daughter received SS after her father’s death, but I received no payment. Does that count?</p>
<p>designated means-tested Federal benefit programs: the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program, the Food Stamp Program, the Free and Reduced Price School Lunch Program, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC);</p>
<p>It has been 3 months since I posted that we had a very highly publicized priority deadline … and guess what? MANY students missed out on money the COULD have had (if only they had applied on time). The economy is not good, folks. There are many, many students who have demonstrated need. There is only a finite amount of money available. Please … make sure you apply as early as possible for 2010-11.</p>