Here are some other helpful tips, or common mistakes made:
If your parent doesn't have a social security number, use 9-0's (000-00-0000).
Your number of exemptions is not usually "0".
Make sure you don't list income earned for income tax PAID. If you do this, it will result in a "$0.00" expected family contribution and that will result in no money offered.
You cannot count your parents in college for number of people in college.
You can list up to 10 college choices on the FAFSA and colleges will not be able to view the other schools listed.
CPS (Central Processing System) will notify students of their results by a paper student aid report (SAR) if a paper FAFSA was filed and/or a student's email address was not provided. If filed electronically, you will get your results via email.
Corrections to FAFSA data may be made by going to http://www.fafsa.gov and entering the FSA ID, updating and mailing the paper SAR, or submitting documentation to the college's financial aid office.
What makes a Student Independent?
Unfortunately, just because a student moves out because they don't get along with their parents, or guardian, does not make them independent, even if the student pays for everything on their own! Below is a list of qualifying events that make a student independent. However, it is still up to the federal government to have the final decision as to that status.
Born before 1/1/1992 (for 2016-2017)
Married
Graduate or Professional Student
Active duty military for purposes other than training
Veteran
Children and you provide 1/2 the support
Dependents other than children or spouse
Orphan, foster care, dependent/ward of the court
Emancipated minor
Legal guardianship (not temporary custody or power of attorney)
Homeless or self supporting and at risk of being homeless (this is determined by college Financial Aid Administrator)
A college's Financial Aid Administrator has the authority to change the filing status from dependent to independent after the student presents documentation of the situation. The special circumstances would be: there is documented proof of abuse at home or abandonment by parents. Situations that are NOT considered special circumstances are: parents don't claim student on taxes, student does not live with parents and supports self, parents don't want to help pay for college, or parents refuse to provide information on the FAFSA. If you complete your FAFSA without your parental information, and you do not qualify under the special circumstances, you will not qualify for any grants or scholarships and receive a "Reject" code. You can opt for a loan option, which may or may not be enough to pay for your college education. At this point, the student would still need to contact the college's Financial Aid Administrator regarding what documentation they need and if any additional decision will be made.
Who Qualifies as a Parent for a Dependent Student?
Who is a Parent? Biological parents, adoptive parents and stepparents, if they are married to the student's biological or adoptive parent and the student is included in their household size.
Who is NOT a Parent? Foster parents, legal guardians who have not adopted the student, any relatives (including grandparents) who have not adopted the student, or stepparents who have not adopted the student and who would be the only person providing parental information. If a ward of the state was adopted after the age of 13, they can file as an independent.
Verification
TSAC and the Partnering Organizations will start sending messages the beginning of March 2016 to those students selected for verification. Students will be asked to contact their school of choice to complete that institution's Verification process before July 15th. These emails are sent through the college email NOT the personal email given, so make sure you check that email often. At least 30% of students will get verified at random. Every change made after the initial FAFSA is submitted will put you back into the selection hopper. Verification items are typically household size, number in college and SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps) if reported on the FAFSA. You must show a "reasonable" estimate of household resources. You can show support from others, but you will still contribute one way or another (food stamps, etc.). If you do not put a reasonable amount, the college will put a recommended amount for you so keep this in mind when filling out the FAFSA.
To complete the verification for victims of identity theft you must submit a signed copy of IRS income tax return AND one of the following: IRS Form 14039 "Identity Theft Affidavit", a signed and dated statement indicating victim of identity theft and IRS is investigating, or a copy of the police report filed by the tax flier.