HELP! Denial of Financial Aid

[Erica7210]

What is the name of your state? OHIO

My problem is that I am a senior this year, unfortunately I am considered a dependent student on my FAFSA(even though I actually am not dependent) I was selected this year for the verification process through the financial aid office of my school I was told that my financial aid account is frozen because I did not turn in my parents' signed tax returns. Well my mother doesn't work so she has no W-2s or tax stuff at all and my step father does not file taxes because he owes back taxes so he just doesn't file. They basically told me that I cannot be helped by the school with the financial aid situation. I cannot pay for school without my financial aid. Is there anything legally I can do? It is not fair that I cannot attend school because of my step father not filing taxes! Please help me!!!

 

[Ohiogal]

YOu can get a job, save the money and pay for yourself. You can turn your stepfather in for tax fraud and force his criminal butt to jail. It is legal for them to require you to submit that information for financial aid. It is NOT legal for your stepfather to do what he is doing.

 

[nextwife]

So mom isn't working and paying taxes, and her husband isn't paying taxes. Lovely. How come mom isn't working if THEY owe years worth of taxes? Or to help you pay for school?

 

[GaAtty]

If you have not been claimed on your parents' tax returns for at least two years you can claim that you are an independent student. But also keep in mind that FASFA is only for federal student loans. You can still get a private student loan from another source, such as private banks. Try that. It just means that your credit will be checked.

 

[magic55]

Be thankful its your senior year. I would just take out a private loan and work part time. Graduate as soon as possible. GaAtty described everything right.