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We help students and parents to maximize their financial aid situations when paying for college. We can help navigate the treacherous FAFSA process for any student and/or their parent. One thing that has become a factor is the role a parent has in the FAFSA process. Any student who has parents should be able to work together to compile and use the vital information from the parents’ financial situation to complete the application.
There are some unfortunate cases, however, where a parent refuses to help a child with FAFSA. This should not be a roadblock to a student applying, but can certainly be a hurdle for the student. Today on the blog we want to go over what a student can do if their parent is not cooperating with the Financial aid application process.
Step One- Ask Them Why?
For students with parents who don’t want to participate in FAFSA, it typically comes down to a few reasons. One reason is that the parent doesn’t think that the process will help qualify for any further financial aid. This is often the case in families with higher incomes.
That is a myth. Even if a student comes from a wealthy background, not filling out the FAFSA means the student won’t be eligible for Federal Student Loans (much better option than private student loans) or ANY Internal Scholarships from Colleges.
Another reason why some uninformed parents fail to help their kids fill out the FAFSA is that they believe the myth that completing the FAFSA means they will be obligated to foot the bill for student loans as a form of a co-signer. This is also not true. Submitting the FAFSA does not come with any legal obligation for a parent to be considered a co-signer or pay for the child’s student loans.
Special Financial Circumstances
Another reason why some parents are worried about completing a FAFSA is that they have some financial issues, and feel it could impact the amount of financial aid provided. If parents have experienced special financial circumstances such as the following, the student should still complete the FAFSA and notify the financial aid office of the college(s):
Recently unemployed parent/family member
Tuition expenses at elementary or secondary school
Significant changes to parents’ financial situation, loss of employment or pay cuts
A high amount of medical or dental debts not covered by insurance
Other changes in income or assets that may affect eligibility for federal financial aid
The financial aid office may look deeper at these types of situations and adjust FAFSA information accordingly. The school will still almost certainly request further documentation to support these claims.
Unusual Parental Circumstances
If a parent refuses to provide consent and approval to have federal tax information transferred to a student's FAFSA form, they won’t be eligible for federal student aid. There are some circumstances, however, that would consider a student provisionally independent.
Parents Are Incarcerated
Victim of Human Trafficking
Left Home Due to Abuse
Granted Refugee or Asylum Status
Abandoned or estranged by Parents & Not Adopted
Suppose a student faces these types of issues. In that case, they should select “Yes” to the question “Do unusual circumstances prevent the student from contacting their parents or would contacting their parents pose a risk to the student?” on the FAFSA form. They will then need to contact the financial aid office at the college and speak with them regarding further documentation needed.
If a student is an unaccompanied homeless youth, they must select “Yes” in that section and this is only if they have been determined to be homeless or at risk of being homeless by an eligible agency.
Dependent Vs Independent
Now, if a student is of an “independent” status, they do not need to include their parent’s information. Students are considered independent if they meet one of the following criteria.
Over 24 years old
Married
A graduate or professional student
On active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces
A veteran
A parent to children who get more than half their support from you in a set time period
Responsible for someone other than a child or spouse who lives with you and will get more than half of their support from you during a set time period
If you are 13 or older, AND are parentless due to the death of both parents, are or were in foster care, or are a dependent or ward of the state
Found by a court to be an emancipated minor
Under the legal guardianship of someone other than a parent or stepparent
Found to be an unaccompanied homeless youth or a self-supporting youth at risk of being homeless determined by:
School district homeless liaisons;
The director of an emergency or transitional shelter, or other program serving individuals who are experiencing homelessness;
The director of a program funded under a TRIO or Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for an Undergraduate program (“GEAR UP”) grant; or
A financial aid administrator at the current institution or at another institution who has already decided.
In this case, a student should only provide FAFSA information about themselves.
What If a Student Doesn’t Qualify for ANY Independent Status?
If a student does not meet any of the above criteria, and parents will not give them the necessary information for FAFSA, they should not use the parent’s info without their consent. Unfortunately, as stated, this means they would no longer be eligible for federal financial aid. This includes subsidized and unsubsidized loans and Pell Grant.
Some Good News…
The student may still be eligible for what is called a “Direct Unsubsidized Loan.” This is found in section 8 of FAFSA. If the student does not have an unusual circumstance that prevents obtaining their parents' information, they must answer “yes” to this question. Unfortunately, this is the only option, which is why it’s so important for PARENTS TO HELP THEIR CHILDREN WITH FAFSA.
Some other options for students with parents who refuse to provide their financial tax information would be:
Work Until You Can Be Independent at 24
Gain a Certificate
Explore Trade Schools & Community College
Work for a Company Who Provides Tuition Assistance.
The bottom line is, parents NEED to help their students if they want them to go to college before they’re 24. It doesn’t require a heavy lift from the parent, simply providing consent for the FAFSA to access their tax information from the IRS. Everything is safe and secure and there is no financial liability for the parent to provide the consent. If you have any further questions about FAFSA and you live here in WNY, know that we are here to help! Just fill out our contact form or give us a call to get started on your student’s FAFSA today!