What counts as a household for financial aid?

Paying for College
1

<p>So I'm actually still a senior in high school, but I just transferred to a different school this year. My parents got into a disagreement, and my mom and I are living temporarily with a friend of hers. We got the paperwork done and everything, so I'm attending the school by the new house. I have 3 other siblings, 2 live with my dad and the other is at college in another city. My parents still share their income and support my siblings and I - we are still dependents. I work about 16 hours a week part-time and make around $240 every two weeks. I don't really help my mom pay any of her bills though. I just work for some extra money for gas, food, and clothes. My mom is also financially independent of the friends she's living with, so we don't include their income. We're eligible for aid with her income alone for a household of 2, but unfortunately when we add that with my income it exceeds the limit for free/reduced lunch eligibility and all the SAT/ACT waivers. Would I have to actually report my income even though I make very little and don't really share my income with my mom?</p>

<p>Also, does everyone in my family have to be actually living together to count as a household? If I end up having to report my income, I would remain eligible for the waivers and free/reduced lunch because my dad's income is pretty low (actually unemployed right now), and I can put in my 3 siblings, 2 of which make no income and the one in college doesn't make much either. So the household number would be 6, and our total income would definitely fall within the eligibility for that.</p>

<p>Thank you guys!</p>

2

<p>Well, I can at least tell you that your mom’s friend has nothing to do with it. </p>

<p>If your mom and dad are separated, then that sounds like two different households.</p>

<p>You always have to report your income as a student. On FAFSA, your parent puts their income and you also fll out your own income.</p>

3

<p>On the FAFSA, you put the income of the parent you live with the most during the year prior to the date of filing your FAFSA. So if your parents are separated, and you live most with your mom…only HER financial info would go on that FAFSA, not your dad’s. Any spousal support or child support would be included. And your income would go in the student section.</p>