Can adding non-custodial parent with low income help FAFSA need calculation?

same boat!! they told me that bc i make $22k a year with 2 kids im somehow suppose to contribute $7k per year to my sons college. HOW??? the whole system is broke af

To answer your question - adding the non-custodial parent generally won't help with federal aid (FAFSA) if you haven't been required to include them already. Here's why: 1. For FAFSA purposes in 2025-2026, they look at the parent who provided more financial support during the past 12 months (if never married) 2. If you add him voluntarily, they'll likely combine BOTH incomes which could actually make your SAI higher 3. The income threshold for a zero EFC (now called SAI) is quite low - around $29k combined in many cases However, some private colleges using the CSS Profile DO require non-custodial parent information regardless. Is your daughter applying to any private schools?

For the private colleges, they typically use the CSS Profile which DOES look at both biological parents regardless of marital status or living situation - and they'll want his information. They call it a "non-custodial parent profile." For FAFSA and federal aid, including a non-custodial parent who hasn't been providing support is usually NOT beneficial and can backfire. Even though it seems logical that two low incomes would demonstrate more need, the formula doesn't work that way. The system essentially expects all parents to contribute regardless of actual circumstances. Your best bet might be to appeal directly to each financial aid office with a detailed letter explaining your actual financial situation. This is called a "Professional Judgment" review.

The whole FAFSA system is RIGGED against working parents!!! I was in the EXACT same situation 2 years ago. Single mom, working my butt off, and got ZERO help while my friend who chose NOT to work got full rides for her kids. The system PUNISHES parents who TRY to work and support their families!!! They don't care about your actual expenses like rent, food, healthcare, car payments, NOTHING. Just a stupid formula that says if you make above their ridiculously low threshold, you should be able to pay $10K+ for college. IT'S INSANE!!!

have you tried calling the federal student aid people directly? sometimes they can explain options that the school financial aid office doesnt tell you about. my cousin got her SAI recalculated after talking to someone at FSA directly

I had the same problem trying to reach FSA about my daughter's verification issue. After 6 failed attempts and hours on hold, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that held my place in line and called me back when an agent was available. Saved me literally hours of hold time and I finally got to speak to someone who explained my options. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ Regarding your actual question - I learned that for FAFSA purposes, adding a non-custodial parent with limited involvement ONLY helps if they have extremely low or zero income AND you can document that you receive zero support from them. Otherwise, they'll combine incomes and it usually makes things worse.

my brother got extra financial aid by submitting a special circumstances form to his college. not thru fafsa but directly to the school. maybe try that?

One more important thing to understand: FAFSA (federal aid) and institutional aid are different. Even with a high SAI, your daughter might still qualify for: 1. Unsubsidized federal loans (don't require demonstrated need) 2. Merit scholarships from individual schools 3. State grants (which sometimes have different formulas) 4. Institutional need-based aid at private colleges For the private colleges, definitely complete both the FAFSA and CSS Profile. The CSS Profile schools often have more institutional aid available and may have a more holistic review process. They might ask for the non-custodial parent's information regardless, so be prepared. Don't give up hope! Many families in similar situations find options through a combination of different aid sources.