As someone who just went through this process last year with my daughter, I wanted to share a few additional tips that really helped us avoid verification delays: 1. **Bank statement highlighting** - I went through my bank statements and used a highlighter to mark every expense related to my daughter, then scanned those highlighted statements. Made it super easy for reviewers to see the pattern of support at a glance. 2. **Create a "support comparison chart"** - I made a simple two-column chart showing "Mom's expenses" vs "Dad's expenses" by category (housing, food, transportation, medical, etc.). Having that visual comparison really drove home the 65/35 split in support. 3. **Don't forget about health insurance!** - If you carry your daughter on your health insurance plan, that's often a significant monthly expense that counts toward support. I was paying $180/month to add her to my plan, which added up to over $2,000 annually. The documentation process seems overwhelming at first, but once you get into a rhythm of tracking everything, it becomes second nature. And honestly, having all this organized has helped me budget better overall - I had no idea I was spending so much on various support items until I started tracking them systematically. You're being proactive by starting this documentation now, which puts you in a much better position than most parents who wait until they're selected for verification. Good luck with the process!

Coming into this conversation as someone who's been helping families navigate FAFSA verification for several years, I want to emphasize how refreshing it is to see such thorough preparation! You're absolutely doing the right things by starting your documentation now. One additional tip I'd add: consider creating a simple timeline document showing major life events that support your case. For example: "August 2024 - daughter moved in with me for school year, staying weekdays," "September 2024 - added daughter to my car insurance," "October 2024 - enrolled daughter in my health insurance plan," etc. This timeline approach helps verification reviewers quickly understand the context of your support arrangement, especially in complex custody situations. It also serves as a nice supplement to your expense tracking spreadsheet. Also, since you mentioned your daughter is at community college - don't forget to document any educational expenses you're covering beyond tuition (textbooks, supplies, technology, transportation to/from school). These often get overlooked but can add up to substantial amounts over a year. The collaborative approach you and your ex are taking is really going to pay off if verification happens. Having both parents on the same page about the facts makes the whole process much smoother for everyone involved, including your daughter who won't have to stress about her aid being delayed due to documentation disputes.

I'm a newcomer here but unfortunately joining this conversation because I'm dealing with the exact same identity verification nightmare! My son's FAFSA has been stuck for over 2 weeks now. Reading through all these experiences is both helpful and terrifying - I had no idea this was such a widespread issue with the new system. I'm going to try the 8am calling strategy mentioned here and double-check that my name formatting matches exactly. It's absolutely ridiculous that families have to jump through these hoops and waste countless hours just to apply for financial aid. Thank you to everyone who shared their solutions and tips - this thread is more useful than anything I've found on the official FSA website!

I'm unfortunately joining this nightmare club too! My daughter's FAFSA has been stuck in identity verification hell for 3 weeks now. I've uploaded my driver's license, passport, and even tried my state ID - nothing works. The system just keeps giving me the same useless "unable to verify identity" message with zero explanation. I've probably spent 40+ hours on hold with FSA, only to get disconnected or transferred to someone who can't actually help. Reading through everyone's experiences here gives me hope that I'm not going crazy and that there are actual solutions. I'm definitely trying the 8am calling strategy tomorrow and will double-check my name formatting matches exactly. It's absolutely insane that a federal system can be this broken when families are depending on it for their kids' futures. Thank you all for sharing your tips and letting me know I'm not alone in this bureaucratic disaster!

Hi there! As someone new to this community, I wanted to jump in and say thank you to everyone who's shared their experiences here. I'm in a somewhat similar situation with my stepson who receives SSDI benefits from his biological father's disability, and these responses have been incredibly enlightening. One thing I'd add that might be helpful - when you contact the financial aid offices after submitting your FAFSA, ask specifically about their "special circumstances" or "professional judgment" process. Some schools have standardized forms for exactly this type of situation (income that changes during the academic year), while others handle it more informally through letters and documentation. Also, @Mila Walker, you mentioned your ex thinks he should be the contributing parent because "his disability is paying for her anyway" - I dealt with something similar with my stepson's bio dad. It might be worth getting clarification in writing from the school's financial aid office about who should be listed as the parent, just so you have official documentation if your ex continues to push back on this. The FAFSA rules are very clear that it's based on custody and support, not the source of any benefits the student receives. Best of luck with the process - it sounds like you're being really thorough and proactive, which will definitely help!

As a newcomer to this community, I wanted to share something that might be helpful for your situation. I just went through the 2024-2025 FAFSA process with my son who has a similar disability benefit situation, and one thing I learned is to keep detailed records of every phone call and email exchange with financial aid offices. What really helped us was creating a simple spreadsheet tracking which schools we contacted, when we contacted them, who we spoke with, and what they told us about their special circumstances process. Some schools responded within days, while others took weeks, and having that tracking system helped me follow up appropriately without being pushy. Also, I noticed you mentioned feeling stressed about the whole process - totally understandable! One thing that helped reduce my anxiety was tackling it in phases: first complete and submit the FAFSA with the required information (including reporting the full disability payments), then immediately start gathering all your documentation for the special circumstances appeals, and finally contact schools systematically as your daughter gets accepted. The community members here have given you excellent technical advice - I just wanted to add the organizational perspective that helped me stay sane during the process! You're asking all the right questions and being proactive, which puts you way ahead of where I was at this stage last year.

I made this exact same mistake when my son was applying! It's so confusing because you'd think "24-25" would be for someone applying in 2024, but it's actually for the academic year that starts in 2024. For Fall 2025 freshmen, you definitely need the 2025-26 FAFSA that opens in December 2024. The bright side is that you've essentially done a practice run with the new FAFSA system! I'd recommend taking screenshots or notes of what information was required so you can gather everything ahead of time. Also, make sure to check if any of your daughter's target schools require the CSS Profile - some private colleges need that submitted before the FAFSA is even available, especially for early decision applicants. One more tip: when the 2025-26 FAFSA does open in December, try to submit it as early as possible. Some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and you don't want to miss out because you waited too long. Good luck!

This happens to so many families - the FAFSA naming system is really confusing! You're absolutely right that you need the 2025-26 FAFSA for Fall 2025, which won't be available until December 2024. The "24-25" form you filled out is for students starting college this fall (2024). Don't think of the time you spent as wasted though! You've gotten familiar with the new FAFSA format and know what documents you'll need. I'd suggest making a checklist of all the financial information you gathered so you're ready to go in December. While you wait, this is actually a perfect time to start scholarship hunting. Many private scholarships have deadlines in fall/winter, well before the FAFSA opens. Your daughter's guidance counselor should have local scholarship lists, and there are great online databases too. Also check if any of her target colleges require the CSS Profile - some need that submitted earlier than the FAFSA for certain deadlines. You're actually ahead of most families by starting to think about financial aid this early. When December comes around, you'll be much better prepared!

Hey Yara! I went through a successful dependency override process last year in a somewhat similar situation. A few things that really helped my case: 1. **Timing matters** - Start gathering documentation NOW. The process can take months, and you want everything ready before deadlines hit. 2. **The health insurance issue** - Like others mentioned, this might not be as big a problem as you think. When I spoke to my financial aid counselor, they explained that ACA provisions allowing children to stay on parents' insurance until 26 is considered a legal entitlement, not voluntary support. 3. **Professional references are key** - Your therapist will be your strongest advocate here. They can speak to the reasons for estrangement and verify that reconciliation isn't feasible. Former teachers/counselors who knew your situation are also great. 4. **Document EVERYTHING** - I made a timeline of when I moved out, started supporting myself, etc. with supporting documents for each major point. Bank statements, lease agreements, utility bills, employment records - the more paper trail you have, the better. 5. **Appeal if denied** - Many people get approved on appeal even after initial denial, so don't give up if the first attempt doesn't work. The tax claiming issue actually works in your favor - it shows your parents are acting without your consent, which supports your case for independence. Definitely worth addressing with the IRS. You've got a solid plan. Wishing you the best of luck!

I went through the dependency override process successfully in 2024, and I want to emphasize something important that might give you hope - the health insurance issue really shouldn't disqualify you! My financial aid officer explained that staying on parents' health insurance until 26 is considered a legal right under the ACA, not financial dependency. What really made the difference in my case was being extremely thorough with documentation. Here's what I'd add to your already great plan: 1. **Get multiple professional letters** - I had letters from my therapist, a former teacher, my doctor, and even my landlord. The more third-party verification you have, the stronger your case. 2. **Create a detailed budget breakdown** - Show exactly how much you earn vs. your monthly expenses. This proves you're truly self-supporting. 3. **Address the tax issue head-on** - The fact that your parents claimed you without consent actually supports your independence case! Document your attempt to file independently and any IRS correspondence. 4. **Be prepared for follow-up questions** - My school asked for additional documentation twice before approval. Don't get discouraged if they need more info. The key is showing complete financial and emotional independence, not just living separately. You sound like you have a strong case - especially with 3 years of independent living and full-time work. Don't let the statistics scare you; focus on presenting a compelling, well-documented story. Rooting for you! The process is stressful but absolutely worth it if you qualify.