FAFSA parent switch dilemma - Mom filed freshman year, but Dad paid. Who should file for sophomore year?
I'm really confused about who should fill out the FAFSA for my sophomore year. For some background: my parents divorced when I was young and I lived primarily with my mom for 12 years. She was the one who completed my FAFSA for freshman year since she was my custodial parent. However, my dad ended up paying for almost all of my first year tuition and expenses. For sophomore year, I'm not sure who should complete the FAFSA. I spent freshman year living on campus, and mom only helps with my phone bill, spending money, and car insurance while dad covers the bigger expenses. Will my financial aid package be affected if we switch which parent completes the form? My mom's income is significantly lower than my dad's, but since he's actually paying for college, should he be the one filling out the FAFSA now? I don't want to mess this up and lose aid!
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Jamal Carter
As a financial aid counselor, I want to add one more important point: If you do need to switch which parent completes the FAFSA, be prepared for questions. Your SAI (Student Aid Index, formerly EFC) will likely change dramatically if you switch from a lower-income parent to a higher-income one, and this can trigger verification flags. The financial aid office may request documentation of your living situation. Be honest and consistent about where you physically resided.
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Zoe Papadakis
•Thank you for the professional advice! I think I'll stick with mom filing again to avoid any verification issues. I'm going to start keeping better track of where I stay during breaks just in case it becomes relevant in future years.
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