<p>Hi,
I am in the midst of filling out the CSS and I'm flummoxed. As a public school teacher I am required to participate in the state teacher's retirement program (11%). In my state, we are not allowed to access our social security upon retiring, and I do not have access to my retirement funds, nor can I choose NOT to contribute as the funds are automatically deducted and participation is mandatory. Will the School calculate my EFC to reflect the amount I pay annually? </p>
<p>Also, question #FM135 concerning siblings: The question asks how much I contribute to the sibling's education for the 07-08 school year. If the sibling attends public school and lives at home, would I fill in "0"? or should I estimate the cost of clothing, feeding and book-buying for this child?
Thank you. This is a wonderful site and I've learned so much. Any help would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>beniben</p>
<p>I also work in a state where I contribute to teachers' retirement (no choice) and not social security. I believe I have added in my "contribution" to teachers retirement every year that I have filed the Profile and FAFSA as it's in the same "box" on my W-2 as my TSA contributions, for example. I gotta agree with you, however. It doesn't seem like this "involuntary in lieu of social security" retirement should be included as income for the tax year...but I think it is.</p>
<p>Re: the costs for a sibling..if you have a child in public school, your costs are most likely zero. You have to clothe and feed your child regardless. Most public schools also supply textbooks. I always took this line to mean costs for schooling (i.e. tuition). But I could be wrong...</p>
<p>Thumper,
Thank you so much for the prompt and helpful response. It was not what I wanted to hear :-D But, such is life! Sigh! ...Back to the dreaded CSS profile.
-Beniben</p>
<p>what happens if ur EFC is like 1700? is that bad or good?</p>