One additional tip: For the CSS Profile (which some private colleges require), you can specifically request an address privacy block if you have documented safety concerns. Contact the College Board directly about this option if any of your children's schools require the CSS Profile. They have protocols in place for situations exactly like yours.

Just wanted to add that you should also be careful about any state-specific financial aid forms your kids might need to fill out. Some states have their own grant programs with separate applications that could ask for different address information than the FAFSA. I'd recommend checking your state's higher education website to see what forms they require and whether they have similar privacy protections. Also, if your kids qualify for any need-based aid, make sure the school sends all correspondence to the address you want (not automatically to the student's listed address). Most schools will let you specify a preferred mailing address for financial aid documents if you call their office directly.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who works at a college financial aid office - you've gotten excellent advice here! One additional tip: when you're both creating your FSA IDs, make sure to do it from separate devices or at least separate browser sessions if using the same computer. I've seen cases where the system gets confused if multiple FSA IDs are created from the same browser session. Also, keep your confirmation emails from the FSA ID creation process - they contain important reference information you might need later. The nursing program sounds exciting - best of luck with your FAFSA and your studies!

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who recently went through this with my spouse! We created our separate FSA IDs about a week apart (I created mine first as the student, then my husband created his), and everything worked smoothly. One thing that really helped us was setting up a shared password manager entry where we both saved our FSA ID login information - that way we could both access the details if needed during the FAFSA process, but we still maintained separate accounts as required. Also, don't stress too much about the process - once you get past the initial FSA ID creation, the actual FAFSA completion is pretty straightforward, especially compared to the old paper forms! The nursing field needs more dedicated people like you, so it's great that you're pursuing this path!

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to make any progress? Did you try contacting FSA directly using the service I mentioned or visiting your local SSA office? Sometimes bringing your marriage certificate and explaining the situation in person can expedite the process.

That's such great news that you finally got through to someone at FSA! Having a note on your account should definitely help smooth things over when you submit. And going to SSA in person is smart - they're usually more helpful face-to-face than over the phone. Make sure to bring copies of everything (marriage certificate, ID, any correspondence about the name change) just in case. Fingers crossed the SSA visit goes well and you can get this all sorted out soon!

man i wish i knew this last year i spent weeks trying to get my dads tax info and he was so difficult about it for nothing apparently 🙄

Just wanted to chime in as someone who works in financial aid at a state university - you're getting great advice here! The key thing to remember is that FAFSA follows a very specific definition of "parent" that's based on who you lived with, not biological relationships or financial support. Since your parents were never married and you live with your mom, she's your only "parent" for FAFSA purposes. One small tip: when you get to the parent demographics section, make sure to select "Single" as your mom's marital status rather than leaving it blank. This helps the system understand your family structure. And don't worry about verification - single-parent households with income around $38K are actually pretty common and shouldn't raise any red flags. Good luck with your application!

To summarize the correct information for your situation: 1. Only your custodial parent (the one you live with more than 50% of the time) needs to complete the FAFSA 2. Who claims you on taxes does NOT determine which parent completes the FAFSA 3. Child support is considered the custodial parent's income, not direct support from the non-custodial parent 4. If your custodial parent is remarried, the stepparent's information must be included 5. Some private colleges require the CSS Profile which may request non-custodial parent information Based on what you've shared, your mother should complete the FAFSA as your custodial parent. Your father's tax claiming status is irrelevant for FAFSA purposes.

Just wanted to add something that might help - make sure you and your mom complete the FAFSA together so she can answer all the parent financial questions accurately. I made the mistake of trying to fill it out myself first and had to go back and correct a bunch of stuff because I didn't know her exact income details. Also, have her tax returns handy because the FAFSA will ask for specific line items from her 1040. Good luck with everything!