Financial aid question?

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New member
I'm 17 years old, I have a part time job (10-15 hrs a week), I live with my parents rent-free, and I have a child. If I were to fill out the FAFSA and said I pay about 75% for my son, would I get more money than if I said I paid 5% and my parents paid the rest? I know they base it off how much your parents make, but they don't know if I'm getting help from my son's father (I'm NOT).
 
Yes, but since your parents are providing for the roof over your son's head and for the utilities, you don't provide more than 50% of his support. Plus, there's no way that you can raise a child on a 10-15 hour/week job. Fafsa isn't stupid, you'll be required to turn in verification on the support that you provide your son (rent statements, utility bills, etc). You won't be able to claim independence until you move out and provide more than 50% of your son's support. For that, you'll need to turn 18 and work full-time. Good luck to you.
 
When you file the FAFSA you will be considered to be Independent (as you have a child). The key is if you provide 50% of your son's support or more. The FAFSA will not look at your parent's information since you are independent. What you need to do is determine how much support you provide for your son. If you pay for a majority of his expenses, then you can claim him as a dependent on the FAFSA which could give you more funding. Keep in mind every situation is different...if you have a school in mind to attend, contact them and ask.
 
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