Question 47
Step 2
Welfare benefits, TANF |
Q: My foster parents get Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or welfare benefits for me because I am a ward of the court. Is this my income?
A: No. Do not include as part of your income any TANF or welfare benefits received by another person even if they are designated for your support or care. You should also not include these benefits when answering questions 98-102.
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Question 47
Step 2
Welfare benefits, TANF |
Q: My grandmother (aunt, etc.) gets TANF or welfare benefits for me because I am a ward of the court. Is this my income?
A: No. Do not include as part of your income any TANF or welfare benefits received by another person even if they are designated for your support or care. You should also not include these benefits when answering questions 98-102.
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Question 47
Step 2
Free child care |
Q: I am a single mom with one child and will get free day care for my child (from a grandmother, aunt, or free day care center) while I go to college. Does this "free" income have to be reported on the FAFSA?
A: No, this service is not income and the information is not collected on the FAFSA. However, note that you need to let your school know that you are receiving free dependent care; an allowance for dependent care may not be added to your cost of attendance.
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Question 53
Step 3
"Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?" |
Q: I have a child who will be living with me and my income will be from TANF. Do I answer "yes" to Question #53? Are TANF or welfare benefits considered to be like earned income?
A: You would answer yes to this question as long as you provide more than half of the child's support.
Note: Although you answer yes for question 53, don't include TANF or other welfare benefits as untaxed income on question 47i which is used to determine financial aid eligibility.
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Question 55
Step 3
"At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent or ward of the court?" |
Q: I am a ward of the court but graduated from high school and then went to live with my mother for two months. Did I lose my independent status?
A: A student is considered to be independent if he or she is a ward of the court or was a ward of the court when they were age 13 or older. If your ward of the court status changed before you reached age 13, you may be considered dependent on your parent. In that case, you should talk about your situation with the financial aid administrator at your college.
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Question 55
Step 3
"At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were |
Q: I am a dependent child of the court of my county. Is this the same as a "ward" of the court?
A: The term "ward" used to mean "dependent" of the court. You are or were a ward of the court (regardless whether this status is determined by the county or state) if the court has assumed custody of you. You should have had court ordered documents that designated you a ward of the court.
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Question 55
Step 3
"At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent or ward of the court?" |
Q: I am no longer under the court because my foster parents took legal guardianship of me a few years ago. However, my foster parents do not support me with their own financial resources. They still get a foster care check each month for me. How do I answer question #55?
A: You can still be a ward of the court if you have a legal guardian or foster parents; check with the court to determine your current status. Also, you will check "yes" to this question if you are or were in foster care or were a dependent or ward of the court when you were age 13 or older.
Note: Neither legal guardians nor foster parents are considered parents when completing the FAFSA.
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Question 55
Step 3
"At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent or ward of the court?" |
Q: My parents died when I was very young. My grandparents are my court appointed, legal guardians. They have provided support for me all my life. How do I complete the FAFSA?
A: You should check "yes" to this question and complete the FAFSA as an independent student. Do not include your grandparents' information. A legal guardian is not considered a parent for purposes of completing the FAFSA.
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Question 55
Step 3
"At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent or ward of the court?" |
Q: I turned 18 and graduated, so my court case was closed. My college is saying I am no longer an independent student because I'm no longer a ward of the court. Am I considered dependent or independent?
A: You should check "yes" to this question. Check "yes" to this question if you are or were in foster care or were a dependent or ward of the court when you were age 13 or older.
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Question 96
Step 5
Number in household |
Q: I live with my foster parents and their children. Are they my "family members"?
A: No. If you are considered independent (for example, because you are a ward of the court), and you have no dependent children of your own, you are a family of one (yourself).
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Question 106
Step 7
Signatures |
Q: I have filled out this form as an independent student because I am a ward of the court. Do I need my father's and/or mother's signatures(s)? I don't live with them, but I see them sometimes.
A: No. Because of your status as a ward of the court, you are considered an independent applicant; parental signatures are not required.
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| FAFSA: Chafee Applicants |
Q: I think I might meet the qualifications for a Chafee Grant for foster youth. Do I need to file the FAFSA? Where can I find the Chafee Application?
A: Chafee recipients must file a FAFSA. If the applicant does not have a social security number and therefore cannot file a FAFSA, he or she should call the Student Aid Commission's Specialized Programs Branch at (888)294-0153. The Chafee Grant application is online at chafee.csac.ca.gov.
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