UPDATE: I started my TPD application on disabilitydischarge.com and the process seems straightforward so far. I selected the SSA qualification route, and it looks like they'll try to verify my status automatically with Social Security. If that doesn't work, I'll need to submit documentation. Thanks everyone for your help! I've gone ahead and helped my son submit his FAFSA while this process is ongoing.

Just wanted to add something important that I learned during my TPD discharge process - make sure to check if you have any PLUS loans (Parent PLUS loans) in addition to your regular federal student loans. The TPD discharge covers ALL types of federal student loans, including PLUS loans, but you need to specifically list them all on your application. I almost missed including my Parent PLUS loan from when I went back to school years ago, and that would have left me with remaining debt even after the discharge was approved. The disabilitydischarge.com website will walk you through identifying all your loans, but it's worth pulling your full credit report beforehand to make sure you don't forget anything.

something else to know - if u have other kids who will be in college at the same time, that can lower ur SAI when they apply! my sister is 2 yrs younger than me and when she did fafsa they gave her a lower SAI cuz they knew i was already in school. so thats something to look forward to if u have more kids

Just wanted to add that your SAI of 12,485 isn't terrible for a middle-class family! I know it feels overwhelming as a first-time parent, but you're in a decent position to receive some aid. Don't forget to also look into work-study programs - they can help your daughter earn money for expenses while in school. And definitely keep all your financial documents organized because you'll need to renew FAFSA every year, and your SAI can change based on income fluctuations, job changes, etc. The silver lining is that once you go through this process the first time, it gets much easier in subsequent years!

When we did the endorser thing, we learned the endorser can only endorse for the EXACT amount that was originally requested on the PLUS loan application. So if ur thinking of asking for a smaller amount with the endorser, ur parent would need to submit a brand new PLUS loan application for that lower amount first. Just FYI so u don't waste time!

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress! I just went through the exact same situation a few months ago. Here's what I wish someone had told me from the start: 1. **Time is critical** - Start the endorser process IMMEDIATELY while also exploring other options. Don't wait to see if one path works before trying another. 2. **Multiple backup plans** - Accept those additional unsubsidized loans right away (even if it's not the full amount), apply for emergency grants from your school, and look into payment plans. 3. **Endorser tips** - When approaching potential endorsers, be upfront about the responsibility but also mention it's only for THIS loan period. Don't make it sound scarier than it needs to be, but be honest about what they're signing up for. 4. **School communication** - Call your financial aid office AND bursar's office today. Many schools are understanding about Parent PLUS delays if you're proactive about communicating. You've got this! It feels overwhelming now but there are definitely solutions. The key is acting fast on multiple fronts instead of putting all your eggs in one basket. Keep us updated on how it goes!

wait but what if u have like ALOT of cows? like 20 or 30? does that change things? asking for my bf who has similar question

Just wanted to add another perspective here - I work at a college financial aid office and see this question come up frequently. The "expensive lawn ornaments" comment made me smile because that's exactly how many families describe their hobby farms! One thing to keep in mind is that even if you put $0 now (which sounds correct for your situation), if your circumstances change in future years - like if you start actually making a profit or expand the operation significantly - you'll need to reassess how to report it. The FAFSA is filed annually, so each year you evaluate based on your current situation. Also, don't stress too much about verification if it happens. We understand that farm reporting can be confusing, and as long as you can explain your reasoning with documentation (which it sounds like you can), you'll be fine. The goal isn't to "catch" families making mistakes - it's to ensure accuracy.

As a newcomer to this community, this thread has been incredibly enlightening! I'm just starting to navigate the FAFSA process with my daughter who's a high school senior, and I had no idea about these FERPA privacy restrictions. It's honestly pretty shocking that parents can't access their own financial data once it becomes part of the student's record, but I really appreciate everyone explaining the reasoning behind it. The practical workarounds you've all shared - like setting up FERPA waivers early, using the SAI calculator to verify numbers, and checking what was submitted through StudentAid.gov - are exactly what I needed to know. I'm definitely going to have my daughter create her account early and we'll establish those communication protocols with her college's financial aid office right from the start. Thanks for turning what could have been a frustrating surprise into a manageable part of the process!

As a newcomer here, I'm finding this discussion incredibly valuable! My twin daughters are juniors and I'm already starting to research the FAFSA process. This FERPA privacy issue is completely new to me - I had assumed that since parents provide the financial information, we'd naturally have access to verify it. The workarounds everyone has shared are so practical: setting up FERPA waivers early, keeping detailed records of contributor submissions, and using the SAI calculator for verification. I'm also making note of that Claimyr suggestion for when phone lines are jammed. It's frustrating that the system works this way, but at least now I can prepare both girls for being the primary contact with financial aid offices. Thank you all for sharing your real experiences - this is exactly the kind of insider knowledge that makes all the difference!