<p>I have a daughter who is a high school junior. She's a great student and in the top 10% of her class. When my dad died in 2002, he left her a 4-year Virginia Prepaid Education Plan for her (VPEP), which covers 4 years at a Virginia University. </p>
<p>Am I correct to assume that it would pointless to complete a FAFSA in order to try to get need-based aid to cover room & board? I am the sole wage earner in a 4-member household, making about $48k. </p>
<p>I also have an uncooperative ex-wife who would be loathe to fill one out, too.</p>
<p>I'm new to all this, so please be kind.</p>
<p>Mitch</p>
<p>Why do you think it would be a waste of time? Financial aid can be used to pay for room and board. My daughter has a full tuition merit scholarship but gets federal aid that helps with other expenses. With a $48k income you she might be eligible for a little grant aid and possibly some subsidized loans. You also must file FAFSA for the student to be eligible for federal student loans. </p>
<p>Are you the custodial parent? When parents are divorced, it is just the information of the custodial parent (and spouse if there is one) that must be reported on FAFSA.</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply.</p>
<p>Do you happen to know what constitutes a “custodial” parent for FAFSA when each parent has shared custody? My Ex makes more money than I do and claims our daughter on her taxes. I claim my 14 year old son on my taxes. Thanks.</p>
<p>The custodial parent is the one that the child lived with most during the last 12 months. If the child lives with each parent an equal amount of time, the custodial parent is the one who provided most of the child’s financial support during the last 12 months. ([Who</a> is considered a parent?](<a href=“http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/help/ffdef07.htm]Who”>http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/help/ffdef07.htm))</p>
<p>Does your daughter spend at least 183 nights a year at your house? If it’s close, see if she can spend a few more nights with you.</p>