Do both of my parents need to fill out FAFSA?
Understanding whether both of your parents need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial for determining your eligibility for financial aid. While the FAFSA is a vital step in securing financial assistance for college, the process can sometimes be confusing, especially when it comes to determining parental involvement. In this article, we will explore the factors that determine whether both parents need to complete the FAFSA and provide guidance on how to navigate this process effectively.
The FAFSA requires information from both parents if the student is dependent. Generally, a student is considered dependent if they are under the age of 24, unmarried, and not a graduate or professional student. In such cases, both parents must provide financial information, regardless of their marital status or whether they live with the student.
However, there are certain exceptions to this rule. If either parent is deceased, legally separated, or remarried, the FAFSA rules may vary. For instance, if a student’s parent is deceased, they may still be required to report the parent’s information on the FAFSA. Similarly, if a student’s parents are legally separated or divorced, the custodial parent is typically responsible for completing the FAFSA, while the non-custodial parent may not be required to provide financial information.
To determine whether both parents need to fill out the FAFSA, consider the following factors:
1. Custodial parent: The custodial parent is the parent who has legal custody of the student or has provided more than half of the student’s financial support over the past year. In most cases, the custodial parent is responsible for completing the FAFSA.
2. Marital status: If the parents are married, both must complete the FAFSA. However, if the parents are separated or divorced, the custodial parent is typically responsible for filling out the FAFSA.
3. Death of a parent: If a parent has passed away, the student may still be required to report the deceased parent’s financial information on the FAFSA.
4. Step-parents: If the student’s biological parent has remarried, the step-parent’s financial information may need to be reported on the FAFSA, depending on the student’s relationship with the step-parent.
To ensure that you complete the FAFSA accurately and efficiently, follow these steps:
1. Determine the custodial parent: If both parents have legal custody of the student, the parent who provided more financial support over the past year is considered the custodial parent.
2. Gather financial information: Both parents should gather financial information, such as tax returns, W-2 forms, and bank statements, to provide accurate information on the FAFSA.
3. Complete the FAFSA: Use the financial information to complete the FAFSA online or through the mail. Make sure to sign and date the form, and submit it by the appropriate deadline.
4. Review the results: Once you receive your Student Aid Report (SAR), review it for accuracy and make any necessary corrections.
In conclusion, whether both of your parents need to fill out the FAFSA depends on various factors, such as marital status, custody, and the relationship between the student and their parents. By understanding these factors and following the necessary steps, you can ensure that you complete the FAFSA accurately and increase your chances of securing financial aid for college.
