CONCERN: My student is not sure about college. I don’t want them to apply for loans they may not need.

ANSWER: Complete the FASFA! List Long Beach City College and other colleges that you may be considering. If you decide not to attend college, the loans will not be disbursed, and you will not be charged or accumulate any interest. The FASFA funding is only released to students who have enrolled in college courses. Without the college courses, the college cannot bill FASFA; no money will be owed to any loans. 

CONCERN: I am a parent with low or no credit or filed for bankruptcy. I never qualify for loans. I’m worried listing my information on my student’s FAFSA will limit their chances of getting funding.

ANSWER: A parent/guardian or student’s credit score does not matter when it comes to the FAFSA. Essentially, the Federal Government acts as a co-signer to all of the approved loans.

CONCERN: Who can be declined FAFSA funding?

ANSWER: One can be declined if the student had defaulted on past FAFSA loans, been convicted, as an adult, for a drug sale/trafficking crime while getting FAFSA aid, or if the student does not have a permanent residence or U.S. Citizenship. Some other criminal convictions may limit funding; however, all criminal convictions that define funding are adult convictions. Criminal convictions that occurred by way of the juvenile justice system will not impact your FAFSA. Students, who were identified as “male” at birth, are required to register for the Selective Service Act once they turn 18 years old. Not doing so will prevent FAFSA funding.

CONCERN: I did not file my taxes last year.

ANSWER: Complete the FAFSA! While a filed tax return will make it much easier to complete the FAFSA, you can still directly input your income sources. Having a W-2, 1099, or other statements that verify income, should be available while filing the FAFSA. The student’s FAFSA application may be audited by the college’s Financial Aid office. In that case, be sure to provide hard copies of the W-2, 1099, or other statements that verify income to the college’s financial aid office. 

CONCERN: I am not a permanent resident or U.S. Citizen, but my student is a permanent resident or U.S. Citizen. 

ANSWER: Complete the FAFSA! According to StudentAid.Gov, when a parent/guardian does not have a social security number, simply enter 000-00-0000 as the parent/guardians’ social security number. The FAFSA application will likely be audited by the college’s financial aid office. In that case, be sure to provide all requested documents. The financial aid office at a college is not affiliated with any U.S. immigration enforcement agencies. Do not, under any circumstances, lie or misinform the FAFSA application or office of financial assistance regarding a parent/guardians’ immigration status. Doing so can jeopardize your funding and jeopardize your parent/guardian’s pursuance of legal status. The FAFSA is considered a federal application. You should never misinform or lie on any federal documents or federal applications.