It’s that time of year again – the time when college students and their families begin to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is an important part of the college application process, as it helps determine how much financial aid a student may be eligible for. But what happens if you can’t provide information about your parents?
The FAFSA form requires you to provide information about your parents’ income, but there are some circumstances in which you may not be able to do so. If you’re an orphan, a ward of the court, or in foster care, you may not have access to your parents’ financial information. In these cases, you can indicate that you have special circumstances that make you unable to get your parents’ info. You’ll then be able to submit your application without entering data about your parents.
Although your FAFSA form will be submitted, it won’t be fully processed until you provide the required information. You’ll need to contact the financial aid office at the college you’re applying to and explain your situation. The college may require you to provide additional documentation, such as a court order or a letter from a social worker, to prove your circumstances.
Once you’ve provided the necessary documentation, the college will review your application and determine if you’re eligible for financial aid. If you are, the college will provide you with a financial aid package that may include grants, scholarships, loans, and/or work-study programs.
If you can’t provide information about your parents, don’t worry – you still have options. You can indicate that you have special circumstances that make you unable to get your parents’ info and submit your FAFSA form. Then, contact the financial aid office at the college you’re applying to and provide the necessary documentation. With a little bit of effort, you can still get the financial aid you need to pursue your college education.
